Group Criticizes Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun’s Reforms, Calls for Prosecution of Suspended Judges

Group Criticizes Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun’s Reforms, Calls for Prosecution of Suspended Judges

A public interest group, TAP Initiative, has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to move beyond “mere warnings” and take decisive action by ensuring the prosecution of judges suspended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for criminal offences.

The group argued that simply suspending judges accused of misconduct—ranging from age falsification to other criminal breaches—undermines public confidence in the judiciary.

This position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja over the weekend by the Executive Director of TAP Initiative, Martin Obono, while reviewing Justice Kekere-Ekun’s performance one year after her appointment as CJN.

The group also faulted the CJN’s reform agenda, saying her drive for digital transformation and e-filing of court processes had shown “limited evidence of systematic implementation.”

TAP Initiative further expressed concern over what it described as “soft disciplinary measures” handed to underperforming judges and those who deliberately flouted practice directions for personal gain.

The statement read, “Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun assumed office as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in August 2024. A few days before then, civil society groups, senior legal experts, members of academia, and other reform advocates led by Tap Initiative outlined a specific and measurable agenda: end the abuse of ex-parte orders by politicians, enforce discipline within the judiciary, implement digital courts, and restore public trust amid ongoing allegations of corruption and bias. One year later, the verdict is clear: while the rhetoric has been loud, tangible reforms remain elusive.

“While we commend her for overseeing the retirement of judges based on age and investigating allegations of falsified ages, her leadership style appears risk-averse, relying on speeches and moral persuasion rather than structural reforms. For a judiciary in crisis, this is insufficient.”

According to Tap Initiative’s review, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first year has been characterised by a clear articulation of the judiciary’s challenges but limited evidence of systematic reform implementation.

It said, “Digital Transformation: The Chief Justice has consistently emphasized the need for e-filing, case management technology, and virtual hearings. However, there has been no nationwide rollout or measurable progress in digital court processes.

“Judicial Accountability: While the CJN has stated that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will discipline non-performing judges, no concrete disciplinary actions leading to deterrence have taken place. For instance, it is commendable that the NJC under her leadership recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Judge of Imo State and eight other judges in Imo for falsifying their dates of birth to extend their tenure, and sanctioned Justice T. N. Nzeukwu, who positioned himself to be sworn in as acting Chief Judge despite being fourth in the hierarchy.

“Similarly, the NJC suspended Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, for one year, placed him on a five-year watch-list, and barred him from elevation for delivering a ruling without hearing parties and ignoring a motion to set aside an ex parte proceeding.

“Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was also suspended for one year without pay for issuing inappropriate ex parte orders to sell a petrol station and other assets at an interlocutory stage.

“While these measures are commendable, they are manifestly inadequate considering that many of these offences are criminal. The CJN should have recommended prosecution by law enforcement agencies. This reflects the broader problem with judicial accountability: judges often receive a slap on the wrist rather than facing the serious consequences of criminal prosecution for criminal actions.”

It noted that the CJN acknowledged over 243,000 pending cases in the higher courts.

“While the Supreme Court Rules 2024 provide for electronic filing, a fast-track procedure for specific criminal appeals, and tighter procedural timelines, there has been no clear strategy or progress update on reducing this backlog,” it said.

It also noted that despite concerns about the misuse of ex-parte orders in political cases, no new guidelines or policy changes have been publicly announced to address the issue.

Obono said, “These guidelines are very important given that the 2027 general elections are around the corner and politicians and political parties will try to exploit the lacuna for their gains.”

“Appointments and Public Trust: While the former CJN engaged in processes marked by nepotism and corruption allegations, the current CJN has been cautious in this regard. However, there is no evidence of improved public trust in the judiciary since Justice Kekere-Ekun took office. Both objective surveys and the CJN’s statements affirm that confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary remains critically low.

“Judicial Independence: Judges are still subjected to the indignity of lining up to receive cars and houses procured for them by the Executive—mostly governors—in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

“The review highlights that Justice Kekere-Ekun has utilized public platforms to articulate a vision for a more accountable and technologically advanced judiciary. Yet, Tap Initiative concludes that ‘the gap between identified priorities and visible outcomes remains significant.’”