Judiciary on Edge as NJC Panels Conclude Hearings on Multiple Judicial Petitions

A wave of apprehension spreads among judges as the NJC prepares to finalize decisions on numerous allegations of judicial misconduct

A tense atmosphere surrounds the Nigerian judiciary as the National Judicial Council (NJC) wraps up investigations into over fifty cases of alleged judicial misconduct in Nigeria. The upcoming NJC meeting, which will be led by Chief Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, is set to address the council’s findings on these petitions. As the NJC reviews the results, concerns mount among judges who may face consequences for breaches of conduct.

The NJC, established under Section 153 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, holds the authority to oversee the appointment, promotion, and disciplinary actions against judicial officers. With a commitment to eliminate judicial misconduct in Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun has pledged to address any lapses in judicial integrity. Sources close to the NJC suggest that the Chief Justice is eager to begin this work, underscoring her resolve to restore public confidence in the judicial system.

Between May and August 2024, the NJC received 22 petitions concerning 27 judges at both federal and state levels. These complaints were submitted to the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which ultimately dismissed 18 due to insufficient evidence or abandonment by the complainants. This committee is one of several within the NJC focused on investigating cases of judicial misconduct in Nigeria.

In addition to the dismissed cases, eight dedicated NJC panels were formed in June 2024 to scrutinize other allegations, leading to further reviews. In August, another four panels were convened to investigate additional cases, bringing the total number of petitions to 55. Of these, 12 petitions have been identified as meriting further action and are being reviewed by NJC panels. Each panel consists of three NJC members, including a chairperson, who will examine the evidence and determine the next steps.

As the NJC proceeds with its review, significant pressure mounts from senior legal professionals, calling for accountability within the judiciary. A recent controversy in Rivers State has highlighted the need for judicial reform, with conflicting court orders raising questions about judicial misconduct in Nigeria. Respected legal figures have voiced their concerns over such cases, emphasizing the damage inflicted on the judiciary’s credibility.

Prominent advocates like Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN), and Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu have been vocal about the erosion of judicial integrity, attributing it to political interference and inconsistent rulings. This pressure is echoed by renowned lawyer Samuel Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), who called for stringent measures to preserve the judiciary’s reputation and prevent judicial misconduct in Nigeria. Many within the legal community believe that without decisive action, the integrity of the judiciary may continue to deteriorate, endangering the nation’s democratic values.

As Justice Kekere-Ekun returns from an overseas assignment, the NJC meeting is expected to be scheduled promptly, allowing her to review the panel reports on judicial misconduct in Nigeria. Observers anticipate a stricter approach under her leadership, which may involve significant disciplinary actions to restore the judiciary’s credibility.