NJC Suspends Judges from Rivers, Anambra High Courts Recommends Retirements for Others
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended two judges, Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court, from performing judicial functions.
This decision was made following the 107th NJC meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Both judges were suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list as part of disciplinary actions for misconduct.
In addition to the suspensions, the NJC took further disciplinary actions against other judicial officers. The Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were both recommended for compulsory retirement after being found guilty of falsifying their ages. This move highlights the NJC’s ongoing efforts to maintain integrity within the judiciary.
The NJC also reviewed a total of 30 petitions through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee. Out of these, 22 were dismissed for lack of merit, while two petitions were found to be sub judice, meaning they were still under active judicial consideration. The Council also formed six committees to further investigate various matters and ensure proper follow-up on complaints against judicial officers.
Furthermore, the NJC set up a committee to investigate all complaints against Hon. Justice O.A. Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State. The decisions made during the meeting reflect the NJC’s commitment to upholding judicial standards and addressing misconduct within Nigeria’s judicial system.
