NJC Suspends Two Judges for One Year Without Pay

The National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended two judges for one year without pay due to judicial misconduct, as determined in its 111th meeting held on May 13. The council, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Keker Ekun, found that the judges acted in bad faith and failed to observe due process.

The NJC dismissed 73 petitions against judicial officers for lack of merit and recommended further investigation into 11 petitions. Additionally, the council recommended the appointment of 12 new justices to the Court of Appeal and the Benue State High Court, aiming to fill vacancies and strengthen the judiciary.

The NJC also extended the appointment of Ijeoma O. Agugua as acting Chief Judge of Imo State for three months to complete the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge.

The council commended T. Nze for presenting new evidence that led to a review of a previous sanction, while rejecting an appeal from eight Imo judges seeking to reverse their compulsory retirement.