The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has taken disciplinary action against five judicial officers following its 107th meeting on November 13 and 14, 2024.

The sanctions were imposed for various acts of misconduct.

Among the key decisions, Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court have both been suspended from judicial duties for one year without pay.

They will also be placed on the NJC’s “Watch-List” for two years following their suspension.

The NJC also recommended compulsory retirement for two senior judicial officers—Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State—for age falsification. Justice Chikeka was found to have submitted two conflicting birth dates, and an affidavit filed in 2006 that changed his birth date.

Similarly, Kadi Mahdi was discovered to have multiple inconsistent dates of birth, with his actual date being 1952, which means he should have retired 12 years ago.

Both officers are also required to refund salaries and allowances received in excess.

The NJC’s findings against Justice Aguma stemmed from his involvement in facilitating a garnishee order for a judgment obtained at the FCT High Court, Abuja, which was improperly filed in the Bori Division of Rivers State.

Aguma’s swift granting of the order, despite a stay of execution, raised concerns over his impartiality and involvement in the case.

In the case of Justice Nwabunike, the NJC determined that he violated the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by granting ex parte orders without following due process, including the absence of a Motion on Notice.

His actions were deemed a breach of judicial conduct and an abuse of power.

The NJC also addressed 30 petitions during its meeting, empanelling six committees to investigate the complaints further.

Of the 30 petitions, 22 were dismissed for lack of merit, while two remained under judicial consideration.

Additionally, the NJC has appointed a committee to investigate complaints against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State.

Furthermore, the Council issued a caution to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State for his handling of sensitive matters, urging greater circumspection in future cases.

The NJC, in its resolution, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that judicial officers adhere strictly to the principles of justice and accountability.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 13 states challenging the constitutionality of the law that created the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a unanimous ruling on Friday, the seven-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, determined that the suit lacked merit and therefore dismissed it.

Detail soon…

The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of killing Mr. Stephen Aniagu, the chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA), in Enugu.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Aniagu was shot and killed at Moses Ogbodo Junction, near Topland Market, in the Amaechi area of Enugu South Local Government Area on September 14, 2024.

During a press briefing at the Enugu Police Command headquarters, the police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that the arrests were made following “diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts” by the police’s Anti-Robbery Section (D9) and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad.

The two suspects, identified as Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old from Anike in Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka, a driver from Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, were apprehended in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively.

The suspects

According to Ndukwe, both suspects confessed to their roles in the crime, explaining how they attacked Aniagu, stole his vehicle, and shot another male driver at the same location during the same incident.

The second victim, who was also shot multiple times, survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment.

The suspects further revealed that they had been involved in several other criminal activities, operating from a forest in Mmaku, Awgu LGA.

The suspects also provided the names of several individuals, currently at large, who were reportedly part of their criminal group, including:

Obinna Nnamani (from Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA)

Miracle (nicknamed “C-C” or “White,” from Mmaku community, Awgu LGA)

Okoro Chisom (from Ihie, Awgu LGA)

Israel (identity unknown)

Pius Anoja (“Ezeobo,” chief priest of the group, from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)

Mosquito (from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)

Anunti (identity unknown, from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)

Iyangbakwu (identity unknown, from Akegbe-Ugwu, Nkanu West LGA)

Police recovered a Tecno Android phone, believed to have been stolen from a victim during the attacks, along with other items suspected to be charms.

The suspects are currently assisting police with ongoing investigations to apprehend their remaining accomplices and recover the stolen vehicles used in the attacks.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu expressed the Command’s commitment to bringing all individuals involved in these violent crimes to justice.

He reassured the public that efforts to dismantle criminal networks, particularly those involved in violent crimes, will continue.

The Commissioner also thanked the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its strong support of the police and other security agencies in the state.

He urged the people of Enugu to stay vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement in maintaining peace and security.

The arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, on charges of fraud amounting to N110.4 billion, has been adjourned to November 27, 2024, by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The decision came after a request for adjournment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow Bello to be present in court.

Bello, along with two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing trial on 16 fresh charges, including criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.

The prosecution alleges that the trio conspired to defraud the state to the tune of N110.4 billion.

At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro sought more time for Bello’s appearance, explaining that the 30-day window issued by the court for serving the summons had not yet expired.

Agoro requested the court’s permission to extend the time for Bello to appear, as well as to post a hearing notice at his last known address, located at No. 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The court had earlier issued a public summons for Bello to appear after the EFCC claimed it was unable to serve the charge documents directly.

In compliance with Justice Anenih’s order, the EFCC had published the summons in a national newspaper and posted notices at Bello’s last known address and on the court premises.

Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.

Their legal representatives, including Aliyu Saiki (SAN) for Oricha and Z.E. Abass for Hudu, confirmed the bail and expressed no objection to the adjournment request.

After hearing from all parties, Justice Anenih agreed to grant the adjournment and the EFCC’s request to post the hearing notice at Bello’s residence.

She set the new arraignment date for November 27, 2024, and noted that the 30-day period for the summons was still valid.

The trial will resume on the scheduled date for further proceedings.