NJC Sanctions And Suspends Judicial Officers, Recommends New Appointments
The National Judicial Council (NJC), led by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has taken significant actions following its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024. The Council sanctioned five judicial officers for misconduct and recommended 36 judges for appointment.
Key actions include:
– Suspension of Justices G.C. Aguma (Rivers State) and A.O. Nwabunike (Anambra State) for one year without pay, followed by a two-year placement on a watch-list.
– Recommendation for compulsory retirement of Chief Judge T.E. Chikeka (Imo State) and Grand Kadi Babagana Mahdi (Yobe State) due to age falsification.
– Cautions issued to judges in Kogi and other states, with seven committees set up for further investigation into allegations of misconduct.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court from their judicial duties. The judges were suspended for one year without pay and will be placed on a two-year watch list following the suspension period.
The Council also recommended two Heads of Court for compulsory retirement over falsification of age. The duo of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were recommended for compulsory retirement for age falsification.
The Council further considered the Report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which considered a total number of 30 petitions, empanelled 6 Committees for further investigation. While 22 were dismissed for lacking in merit, two were sub judice. The Council also empanelled a Committee to investigate all complaints and petitions against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State.
Furthermore, the Council issued a letter of caution to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State to be more circumspect in handling sensitive matters in the future. The Council further resolved to issue a letter of caution to Hon. Justice J. J. Majebi, Chief Judge, Kogi State, for assigning a sensitive matter to a junior Judge on the Bench.
The Council also deliberated on 4 petitions against Hon. Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja as follows: Petition by Mr Douglas W. Chukwu, the Secretary of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission against Hon. Justice Lifu was discountenanced, as the petitioner who had earlier indicated interest to participate in the hearing of his petition failed, neglected to appear before the Committee.
The Council reiterated its commitment to addressing judicial integrity while protecting officers from unsubstantiated claims. Additionally, 36 new judicial appointments were recommended for various states. Those recommended for appointment are as follows:
EIGHT (8) JUDGES, HIGH COURT, OYO STATE
1. Opayinka, Adeniyi Gabriel
2. Oyediran, Oloyede Semiu
3. Oladejo, Olusoji Moses
4. Ademola-Salami, Oluwaseun Toluwanimi
5. Adesina, Jimoh Adam
6. Adekunle, Yemi Saubana
7. Adepoju, Olutola Jolade Adenike
8. Muraina, Olayemi Rasaq
FOUR (4) JUDGES, HIGH COURT, KEBBI STATE
1. Muhammad, Kwaido Hassan
2. Ibrahim, Umar Halima
3. Jagwadeji, Suru Lauratu
4. Muhammad, Nuruddeen
SEVEN (7) JUDGES, HIGH COURT, SOKOTO STATE
1. Haruna, Dogondaji Mariya
2. Sahabi, Jaredi Hadiza
3. Ahmad, Sha’aibu
4. Hassan, Fatima
5. Mohammed, Sa’idu Fatima
6. Muhammad, Nura Bello
7. Moyi, Abubakar
SIX (6) JUDGES, HIGH COURT, AKWA IBOM STATE
1. Ekanem, James Bassey
2. Umohandi, Mfon Winifred
3. Essien, Bassey Iwakaowo
4. Morrison, Henry Comfort
5. Ntekim, Edet Ekpo
6. Eddie, Julius Sharon
SEVEN (7) KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, SOKOTO STATE
1. Muhammad, Abdulazeez Yar’Abba
2. Lawal, Isa Abubakar
3. Bello, Sokoto Ibrahim
4. Imam, Abubakar Bello
5. Muhammad, Abibu Lawal
6. Ibrahim, Bodinga Umar
7. Kabiru, Marnona Umar
TWO (2) KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KEBBI STATE
1. Aliyu, Kabir, SAN
2. Bello, Muhammad Atiku
TWO (2) JUDGES, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OYO STATE
1. Oyediran, Safiya Amope
2. Ojekunle, Ojeyemi Ademola
All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in by their respective State Governors.
Find more details here… National Judicial Council
