NJC Moves Against Misconduct: Recommends Retirement of Two Judges and Sanctions Others

The National Judicial Council enforces accountability, retiring two court heads for age falsification and sanctioning others for professional misconduct

NJC Reinforces Judicial Accountability with Tough Sanctions

The National Judicial Council (NJC) recommends judicial accountability by taking firm action against misconduct, including the compulsory retirement of two high-ranking judicial officers and penalties for several others. These measures, announced during its 107th meeting held on November 13-14, 2024, underscore the NJC’s commitment to upholding integrity in Nigeria’s judiciary.

At the helm of these decisions was the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun. The NJC found Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, guilty of falsifying their birth dates. Justice Chikeka had altered his date of birth in an affidavit filed in 2006, while Kadi Mahdi presented three conflicting birth dates, with his actual birth year determined to be 1952. Both judges were retired retroactively, and the NJC mandated refunds of salaries and allowances received beyond their legitimate tenure.

Zero Tolerance for Judicial Misconduct

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy, the NJC penalized Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma of Rivers State High Court and Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court. Justice Aguma faced a one-year suspension without pay for aiding a litigant in garnishee proceedings against court directives. Justice Nwabunike was sanctioned for issuing ex parte orders without adhering to established procedures. Both were also placed on a two-year professional watch list.

Additionally, the NJC issued cautionary letters to Justices I. A. Jamil and J. J. Majebi of Kogi State for their handling of sensitive cases, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency.

Protecting Integrity, Strengthening Capacity

While the NJC recommends judicial accountability, it also protects judges from baseless allegations. For instance, bribery allegations against Hon. Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The NJC highlighted its role in shielding the judiciary from unfounded accusations while ensuring accountability.

Furthermore, the council recommended 36 candidates for judicial appointments across several states and courts, including Oyo, Sokoto, and Akwa Ibom. These appointments aim to bolster the judiciary’s efficiency and capacity for justice delivery.

Safeguarding Judicial Standards

The NJC reiterated its commitment to accountability by warning against frivolous petitions intended to intimidate judicial officers. Legal practitioners involved in such acts will face disciplinary measures from relevant legal bodies. This proactive approach ensures that the judiciary remains a pillar of integrity and trust in Nigeria.

With these decisive actions, the NJC recommends judicial accountability not just as a principle but as a standard for all officers entrusted with the sacred duty of dispensing justice.