The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay, citing gross misconduct.
The suspended justices include Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division; and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court in Zamfara State.
In a decisive move, the NJC also directed the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to reverse the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge of the state.
The Council further ordered Justice Nzeukwu to explain within seven days why he should not face disciplinary action.
Similarly, Hon. Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State, was asked to justify his role in the controversial appointment within the same timeframe.
The NJC noted that the recommendation violated constitutional provisions.
These decisions were part of the outcomes from the Council’s 108th meeting, held on April 29 and 30, 2025.
According to a statement by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola, nine committees were established during the meeting to investigate 27 judicial officers over various misconduct allegations.
The Council also dismissed 29 petitions and issued a cautionary letter to another judge.
The NJC emphasized a renewed focus on transparency in judicial appointments, stating that “the appointment of Judicial Officers henceforth will be open to public scrutiny.”
It reminded governors that acting Chief Judges must be appointed in accordance with the Constitution, particularly Section 271(4), which stipulates: “If the office of the Chief Judge of a State is vacant… the Governor shall appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court to perform those functions.”
Justice Jane E. Inyang was suspended for violating Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
She was found guilty of issuing improper Ex parte Orders while presiding over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023.
Justice Inyang Ekwo was similarly suspended and placed on a five-year watch list, during which he will be ineligible for elevation.
His misconduct stemmed from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, where he issued a ruling without hearing from the parties involved.
The NJC cited breaches of Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu received a one-year suspension without pay for judicial overreach in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021.
He granted an order that restrained security agencies from executing their lawful duties, a move that ignored legal precedents.
Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos also received a letter of caution in response to a petition lodged against him.
Other petitions were either dismissed for lack of merit, placed on hold pending appeals, or scheduled for further inquiry.
The NJC also addressed concerns raised over the judicial appointment process in Zamfara State. After investigation, it concluded that the allegations lacked evidence.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, concluded with a landmark resolution: moving forward, the names of nominees for appointments to Superior Courts of Records will be published for public comment.
This, the NJC believes, will improve transparency and rebuild public trust in the judiciary.
