NJC Suspends Senior Judges
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced the suspension of three high-ranking judges and the investigation of 27 others over allegations of judicial misconduct.
The decision was made during the NJC’s 108th meeting in Abuja, presided over by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was suspended for one year without pay. She was found guilty of issuing improper orders related to the sale of a petrol station while serving at the Federal High Court in Uyo, breaching judicial conduct guidelines.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, was also suspended for one year without pay. He was sanctioned for delivering a judgment in a case without granting all parties the opportunity to be heard. In addition, he was placed on a five-year watch list and barred from promotion during this period.
Justice Aminu Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, received a similar one-year suspension for granting an order that interfered with the operations of security agencies, violating judicial ethics.
The NJC also reviewed and dismissed 29 petitions against various judges across the country due to lack of merit.
In a related directive, the NJC instructed Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to appoint the most senior judge in the state’s High Court as acting Chief Judge.
Concerns were also raised regarding the appointment process of some judges. A petition accusing the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission of a flawed recruitment process was dismissed, with the NJC declaring the claims unfounded.
The Council further announced that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against Justice Nzeukwu for allegedly misrepresenting himself as the acting Chief Judge of Imo State.
Additionally, three other petitions remain pending as the Council awaits the outcomes of related appeals.
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