Court Reshuffles Judges As NJC Enforces Recent Sanction

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has redeployed five judges with immediate effect, following recent developments within the judiciary. The court disclosed the changes in a statement released on Sunday, affecting six judicial officers across various divisions.

Justice M.G. Umar has been moved from Enugu to the Abuja Division. Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim was transferred from Gombe to Yola. Justice M.T. Segun-Bello was reassigned from Abakaliki to Enugu, while Justice Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman moved from Yola to Awka. Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, formerly in Awka, will now serve in Gombe.

The court stated that all affected judges must complete pending judgments at their former stations without delay. According to Catherine Christopher, Director of Information for the Federal High Court, judges in the Abakaliki and Katsina divisions will take over all pending and new cases in those areas.

The court assured lawyers and litigants that there is no need to request reassignment of cases formerly handled by Justice Inyang Ekwo. Justice Umar will now oversee those matters.

Justice Ekwo was suspended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for one year on April 30, 2025. The NJC placed him on a five-year watchlist after finding he ruled on a case without hearing all parties. He dismissed criminal charges in proceedings conducted without proper notice.

The NJC also suspended Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Zamfara Division for one year without pay. He was placed on a three-year watchlist for issuing orders restraining security agencies contrary to established legal principles.

Justice A.O. Awogboro of Lagos received a caution following a petition on alleged misconduct. Meanwhile, the NJC dismissed a petition challenging the 2021 appointment of Federal High Court judges, citing late filing under Section 11(1) of judicial regulations.