141
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has handed down a disciplinary measure, suspending three judges from their duties without pay for a period of one year.
This decision comes as the Council intensifies its efforts to address misconduct within the judiciary, with 27 judicial officers currently facing investigation.
The suspended judges are Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division; and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court in Zamfara State.
In a series of decisive actions following its 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025, the NJC also directed the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to immediately reverse the appointment of the acting Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu.
Similarly, the acting Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, have been given seven days to explain why disciplinary measures should not be taken against them for their roles in the controversial appointment process.
According to a statement released by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola, the Council has empanelled nine committees to thoroughly investigate the allegations of misconduct leveled against the 27 judicial officers.
The NJC’s deliberations also resulted in the dismissal of 29 petitions and the issuance of a letter of caution to a Federal High Court Judge.
In a move towards greater transparency, the NJC announced that future appointments of judicial officers will be open to public scrutiny.
Additionally, the Council reiterated the constitutional requirement for the appointment of the most senior judicial officer in a state’s High Court hierarchy as acting Chief Judge, specifically directing Governor Uzodimma to adhere to Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, Hon. Justice V. U. Okorie, who chaired the Imo State Judicial Service Commission meeting that recommended Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment, is under scrutiny for allegedly acting contrary to constitutional provisions.
Reasons for Suspension
Justice Jane E. Inyang: Found to have breached the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by abusing her office and issuing inappropriate ex parte orders for the sale of a petrol station and other businesses at the interlocutory stage of a case (Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023) while serving at the Federal High Court, Uyo.
Justice Inyang Ekwo: Suspended for delivering a ruling in a pending application (Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021) without hearing from the involved parties and for dismissing the case despite ignoring an application to set aside proceedings conducted in their absence. He has also been placed on a five-year watch list and barred from elevation for the same period.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu: Suspended for granting an order restraining security agencies from performing their statutory duties and disregarding the doctrine of stare decisis in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021 (Government of Zamfara State vs EFCC). He has also been placed on a three-year watch list and barred from elevation during this time.
Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, received a letter of caution for his handling of Suit No. FHC/CS/2021. The NJC deferred decisions on petitions against Justice Othman A. Musa and Justice I. E. Ekwo pending the outcomes of related appeals. A petition against Justice C. N. Mbonu Nwenyi was dismissed due to a lack of evidence of misconduct, while another against Justice R. B. Haastrup was withdrawn by the petitioner.
Meanwhile , the Council also announced the empanelment of nine committees to further investigate 11 out of 43 petitions reviewed. Three petitions were put on hold pending Court of Appeal decisions, and 29 were dismissed for lacking merit.
Furthermore, the NJC addressed a petition concerning the appointment of three judges to the High Court of Zamfara State, dismissing it as unsubstantiated and warning the petitioner against future false allegations. Another petition regarding the 2021 recruitment of Federal High Court Judges was deemed time-barred.
In a final significant decision, the NJC resolved that the names of candidates being considered for judicial appointments to Superior Courts of Records will now be published to allow for public feedback on their integrity, reputation, and competence. This move underscores the Council’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability within the Nigerian judiciary.