NJC suspends three judges for misconduct in Nigeria

The National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended three judges for one year without pay due to various acts of misconduct, including unlawful detention of litigants and abuse of judicial powers. The decision was made during the NJC's 112th meeting on November 3, 2026, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The suspended judges are Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, and Justice Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court. Justice Kabir was suspended for detaining a litigant for 58 days without proper contempt proceedings.

Grand Kadi Salihu was found to have exceeded his authority by reopening a judgment, while Justice Biambo unlawfully ordered the arrest of litigants and imposed fines without proper procedures. Both Salihu and Biambo were also barred from elevation for three years.

The NJC cautioned eight other judicial officers and issued warning letters to three judges for their handling of cases.