By Divine Sam
The National Judicial Council (NJC), led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sanctioned five judicial officers for misconduct. This includes suspending two judges—Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court—for one year each, with both judges placed on a two-year watch-list. Additionally, two judicial leaders—Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State—were recommended for compulsory retirement due to falsification of their birthdates, with a directive to refund salaries received beyond their legitimate retirement age.
The NJC also addressed several other complaints, dismissing many for lack of merit, and investigating further claims against other judicial officers. They took action against some judges for mishandling sensitive matters, and also found no evidence of misconduct in others. The Council also resolved to take action against legal practitioners who file frivolous or malicious petitions against judges, referring them to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee.
The meeting further recommended 36 candidates for judicial appointments to various state governors, as part of ongoing efforts to uphold judicial integrity.