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NJC Set To Review Misconduct Allegations Against Nigerian Judges

Published

2 weeks ago

Nov 9, 2024.

The National Judicial Council (NJC), led by Chief Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, is set to hold a significant meeting to review misconduct reports against numerous Nigerian judges, causing widespread anxiety within the judiciary.

This will be the first quarterly and final council meeting of the year under Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has promised swift and decisive actions against errant judicial officers to restore the judiciary’s reputation.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, the NJC is responsible for appointing, promoting, and disciplining judicial officers.

The Chief Justice, currently on an overseas assignment, is expected to schedule the NJC meeting upon her return, and sources indicate she is determined to address negative perceptions about the judiciary by enforcing accountability.

Between May and August 2024, the NJC received 22 petitions against 27 federal and state judges, with only four deemed meritorious after a preliminary review.

This is in addition to another set of 33 petitions, out of which eight were considered valid, that had prompted the NJC to form eight investigatory panels in June 2024. Later, in August, four additional panels were created to review judges against whom a prima facie case was established.

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These 12 ongoing investigations focus on 55 petitions, with the NJC providing affected judges the opportunity to submit defenses both in writing and verbally, with legal representation if desired.

Some judges requested more time to respond, as a few were implicated in multiple petitions. The NJC granted an additional 24-hour extension, emphasizing that proceedings must conclude promptly.

Top Nigerian lawyers, including prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) such as Chief Mike Ahamba, Prof. Awa Kalu, and Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, have also expressed concerns.

They criticized the frequent issuance of conflicting orders by judges of equal jurisdiction, which has recently stirred political controversies, especially in Rivers State, and undermined the judiciary’s credibility.

A similar case arose in May with conflicting rulings on the Kano emirship dispute, which left the state with two emirs, sparking public criticism.

Upon her assumption of office, Justice Kekere-Ekun signaled a no-nonsense approach to these issues, aiming to reset the judiciary’s image and address persistent integrity concerns.