NJC Suspends Nasarawa Judge for Illegal Detention

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay due to her unlawful order for the arrest and detention of a litigant for 58 days. This decision was made during the NJC's 112th meeting on November 3, 2026, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The NJC's Investigation Committee found that Justice Kabir failed to issue and serve the required Forms 48 and 49 before detaining the litigant, which is mandatory in contempt proceedings. The committee also determined that the alleged contempt occurred outside the judge's presence, making her actions unlawful and violating the litigant's right to fair hearing.

In addition to the suspension, Justice Kabir is barred from being considered for elevation to a higher court for three years. Forms 48 and 49 serve as statutory notices informing alleged offenders of their disobedience to court orders.