NJC Suspends Two Judges, Recommends 12 New Justices

The National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended Justices Ibrahim Shekarau and Edward E. Okp for one year without pay due to judicial misconduct.

The NJC found that Justice Shekarau granted an ex parte order in bad faith and failed to observe due process, while Justice Okp granted an ex parte application that led to proceedings against a petition without allowing the opportunity for a hearing. The NJC's 111th meeting, held on May 13, 2023, under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Kudirat Keker Ekun, also recommended the appointment of 12 new justices to the Court of Appeal, including Yakubu Moham and Monisola Abodun.

The council addressed the retirement of public servants, concluding that the constitution does not prohibit their judicial appointment. Additionally, the NJC extended the appointment of Ijeoma Agugua as acting Chief Judge of Imo State for three months to complete the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge.

The NJC dismissed 73 petitions against judicial officers for lack of merit and recommended further investigations into 11 petitions.