27 judges to face NJC probe panels over alleged misconduct

The NJC has established four investigation panels to examine allegations of judicial misconduct against 27 high court judges in the country.

This move follows the review of 22 petitions filed against the judges at the NJC’s 106th meeting, presided over by outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

Additionally, the NJC issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, cautioning him to exercise restraint in his actions and language, even in challenging situations. 

This action was taken after Justice Olagunju used inappropriate language in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, questioning the NJC’s decision and policy direction on the appointment of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State.

A statement by the NJC Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye on Friday in Abuja however said that the remaining 18 petitions were discountenanced for lacking in merit, abandoned or being subjudice.

The discountenanced petitions are against Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justices E. O. Williams Dawodu, B. A. Georgewill, Yargata Timpar, S. D. Samchi, Aisha B. Aliyu, A. A. Aderibigbe M. L. Shuaibu, H. A. O. Abiru and Abdulazeez Waziri all of the Court of Appeal.

Others are Hon. Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Hon. Justices Z. B. Abubakar, James. Kolawole Omotosho, Sunday B. Onu all of the Federal High Court and Justice Okon E. Abang when he was serving at the Federal High Court. 

The rest are Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Babagana Karumi of the High Court Borno State, Hon. Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar of the High Court of Niger State, Hon. Justice A. A. Aderibigbe of Osun State High Court and Hon. Justice Aisha B. Aliyu of Nasarawa State High Court.

Besides, NJC placed five Judges on its pre-sanction Watch List register for poor performance and would be recommended to the Council for appropriate sanction if they do not improve on their performance.

Justice Ariwoola in the meeting being the last one before his retirement, appreciated the cooperation he received from members of the Council and the Council’s Secretariat and implored them to extend same to his successor.

Members of the Council in return eulogized the outgoing CJN and Chairman one after the other and wished him good health in retirement.