The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken a firm stance against judicial misconduct, suspending three judges and imposing disciplinary measures on six other judicial officers as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The sanctions were approved during the council’s 112th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, following the review of several petitions and investigation reports relating to the conduct of judicial officers.
Among those suspended are Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, and Justice Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court. The three judicial officers will serve one-year suspensions without pay over findings of misconduct in cases handled before them.
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Justice Kabir was found culpable in the unlawful detention of a litigant for 58 days without observing the required contempt proceedings. Investigators concluded that the litigant’s right to fair hearing was violated, prompting the council to not only suspend her but also bar her from consideration for elevation for three years.
Grand Kadi Salihu was sanctioned for his role in reopening a judgment earlier delivered by the FCT Upper Area Court. The NJC held that the process exceeded his authority and amounted to an improper review of a valid court judgment. He was also barred from elevation for three years.
Justice Biambo’s suspension stemmed from orders directing the arrest of litigants and the imposition of fines in a civil dispute without following established contempt procedures. Like Salihu, he was also disqualified from elevation for a three-year period.
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Beyond the suspensions, the council issued warnings and cautions to six other judicial officers over various breaches of judicial conduct and procedural lapses. The disciplinary decisions followed investigations into complaints concerning case management, post-judgment proceedings, and adherence to judicial ethics.
The NJC said the measures underscore its commitment to accountability, fairness, and strict compliance with the code of conduct guiding judicial officers across the country. The council also reviewed dozens of petitions during the meeting, dismissing several for lacking merit while recommending others for further investigation.
The latest action is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the judiciary to reinforce discipline within its ranks and reassure Nigerians that wrongdoing by judicial officers will not go unchecked.
