From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay over acts of judicial misconduct.
In a statement signed by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola, the affected judges are Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja; and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara State.
According to the statement, Justice Inyang was found guilty of violating the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by issuing inappropriate ex parte orders in a pending matter.
Justice Ekwo was suspended for delivering a ruling without granting the involved parties a hearing—an act that contravenes procedural rules. Similarly, Justice Aliyu was sanctioned for issuing an order that obstructed security agencies from carrying out their lawful duties, a breach of judicial norms.
The decisions were taken during the Council’s 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025.
The NJC also directed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, to reverse the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge of the state. The Council stated that the appointment did not comply with constitutional provisions and directed Justice Nzeukwu to provide justification for his appointment within seven days.
Additionally, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State is under scrutiny for his involvement in the appointment process.
The Council reiterated that the appointment of an acting Chief Judge must strictly adhere to Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which leaves no room for discretion.
The NJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also reviewed several petitions during the meeting. Some were dismissed for lack of merit, while others are pending further investigation.
Babalola disclosed that nine investigative committees have been constituted to probe 27 judicial officers over various allegations of misconduct. Additionally, 29 petitions were dismissed, and a letter of caution was issued to a Federal High Court judge.
The NJC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and ensuring that future appointments of judicial officers are transparent and accountable to the public.
