JUST IN: Justice Inyang Ekwo, Two Others Suspended by NJC Over Judicial Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, has suspended three judicial officers for one year without pay due to judicial misconduct. The decision was made during the NJC’s 108th meeting held in Abuja on April 30, 2025.

The suspended judges include Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division; Hon. Justice Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara; and Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal. The suspensions follow detailed investigations by the NJC’s committees, which revealed breaches of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Justice Inyang Ekwo was found to have abused his discretionary power in a case involving Seplat Energy Plc, where he improperly granted ex parte orders that disrupted the operations of the defendant company. As a result, he was placed on a five-year watchlist and barred from any judicial elevation for the same period. This misconduct was deemed a serious violation of judicial ethics and an embarrassment to the judiciary.

Justice Baffa Aliyu was sanctioned for issuing an order that hindered security agencies from performing their statutory duties in a case involving the Government of Zamfara State and the EFCC. His actions were seen as a disregard for judicial consistency and the doctrine of *stare decisis*.

Justice Jane E. Inyang, while serving at the Federal High Court, Uyo Division, was found guilty of issuing improper ex parte orders for the sale of a petitioner’s petrol station and other assets in a case involving a business dispute. This act was considered an abuse of office, as it occurred during the interlocutory stage of the case before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.

The NJC emphasized its unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining public confidence in the legal system. The suspensions are effective immediately, and the affected judges will not receive their salaries during this period.

In addition to these suspensions, the NJC announced investigations into 27 other judges for alleged misconduct, while dismissing 29 petitions for lack of merit or because they were sub judice. The Council also issued a caution to Justice A. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, concerning a petition in a case related to the 2021 government vs. EFCC matter. Petitions against Justices Othman Musa and Inyang Ekwo have been placed in abeyance pending decisions from the Court of Appeal.

The NJC calls on the public to continue supporting efforts to uphold a judiciary that adheres to the highest standards of ethics and accountability.