Full List: NJC Probes 27 High Court Judges Over Alleged Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has launched an investigation into 27 high court judges across Nigeria following allegations of judicial misconduct. According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Soji Oye, the NJC’s Director of Information, four panels have been established to conduct the probe.

At its 106th meeting, chaired by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, the NJC reviewed 22 petitions filed against these judicial officers from both federal and state high courts. The council determined that 18 other petitions lacked merit or were otherwise dismissed due to being abandoned or sub judice.

Based on the findings of the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, the NJC appointed four committees to thoroughly investigate the petitions deemed credible. Additionally, the council issued a cautionary letter to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, advising restraint in communication, particularly in challenging situations. This came after Justice Olagunju used inappropriate language in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria regarding the appointment policies of the President Court of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State.

Petitions Dismissed for Lack of Merit:

Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal

Justice E. O. Williams Dawodu

Justice B. A. Georgewill

Justice Yargata Timpar

Justice S. D. Samchi

Justice Aisha B. Aliyu

Justice A. A. Aderibigbe

Justice M. L. Shuaibu

Justice H. A. O. Abiru

Justice Abdulazeez Waziri

Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court

Justice Z. B. Abubakar

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho

Justice Sunday B. Onu

Justice Okon E. Abang (during his tenure at the Federal High Court)

Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court

Justice Babagana Karumi of the High Court of Borno State

Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar of the High Court of Niger State

Justice A. A. Aderibigbe of Osun State High Court

Justice Aisha B. Aliyu of Nasarawa State High Court

The NJC has also placed five judges on a pre-sanction watch list for poor performance, with the possibility of sanctions if improvements are not made. As his tenure concludes, Chief Justice Ariwoola expressed gratitude for the support received from council members and staff. In turn, council members praised his leadership and wished him a healthy retirement.