NJC Launches Probe Into Osun CJ Over Alleged Abuse Of Office
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up a committee to investigate multiple allegations of misconduct against Justice Adepele Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State. This follows a petition filed by Osun-based activist Temitope Fasina, who accused Justice Ojo of abusing her office and mismanaging public funds, among other offenses.
The NJC, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, confirmed the investigation in a statement released after its 107th meeting in mid-November 2024. The council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, signed the statement.
The petition, dated October 14, 2024, and received by the NJC, claims that Justice Ojo was involved in disobedience to court orders, the unilateral suspension of judicial staff, and other allegations of high-handedness and corruption within the Osun State Judiciary.
Fasina’s petition also highlighted concerns over the judiciary’s financial management, citing irregularities in the audited financial statements. She accused the Chief Judge of failing to properly allocate funds for training and development, as well as spending public money without proper documentation, breaching the state’s financial regulations.
One of the more serious allegations involves the handling of N7.4 million that was forfeited to the Osun State Government by the state high court in 2019. Fasina claims that Justice Ojo ordered the funds to be paid into an undisclosed account without proper authorization.
In her petition, Fasina urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to review the case, suggesting that Justice Ojo is unfit to serve as a judge or Chief Judge of Osun State.
