NJC Queries 256 Judges for Misconduct, Suspends Two

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken significant disciplinary actions against judges, querying 256 judges for judicial misconduct during its 111th Council meeting in Abuja. Additionally, two judges were suspended for one year without pay.

The NJC also dismissed 73 other petitions, summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court over conflicting orders, issued warning letters to three judges, and barred their elevation to a higher bench. Two judges were placed on a “watch list” for two years.

The meeting was presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who has emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, and professionalism among judicial officers. The NJC's actions highlight the ongoing issues of judicial misconduct, which include the sale of justice and conflicting judgments, as noted by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

The NJC's current disciplinary measures have been criticized as insufficient, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of its approach to maintaining judicial integrity.