The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay over acts of judicial misconduct.
Those affected 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 Division.
The NJC, at its 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025, also directed Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to reverse the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of the state, citing constitutional breaches.
In separate resolutions, the Council asked both the Acting Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against them over their roles in the controversial appointment.
A statement by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola, noted that nine committees have been set up to investigate 27 judicial officers for various allegations. The Council also dismissed 29 petitions and issued a letter of caution to one judge.
Breakdown of Disciplinary Actions
Justice Jane E. Inyang was suspended for breaching Rule 3(5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers. She was found to have issued inappropriate ex parte orders for the sale of a litigant’s business assets during interlocutory proceedings in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023 before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.
Justice Inyang Ekwo was suspended and placed on a five-year watchlist, during which he is barred from elevation. He was found to have ruled on a case—Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021—without hearing from the parties, in violation of Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the Judicial Code.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu was suspended for misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021 (Zamfara State vs EFCC). He was found to have improperly restrained security agencies from performing their duties and ignored judicial precedent. He will remain on a three-year watchlist.
The NJC also issued a caution letter to Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, over his handling of a case involving Chief Adesanya Musediku.
Petitions and Other Decisions
The Council put on hold a petition against Justice Othman Musa of the FCT High Court, pending the outcome of a related appeal. It also cleared Justice C. N. Mbonu Nwenyi of Anambra High Court after finding no wrongdoing.
Other petitions were dismissed, including one against Justice R. B. Haastrup of the National Industrial Court, which was withdrawn by the complainant.
In another case, the NJC ruled against a petition by Mahmud Aliyu challenging the 2022 appointment of judges in Zamfara State, finding the claims unsubstantiated and noting that Aliyu had been a candidate himself. He has now been barred from future judicial appointment processes.
A petition by Abdullahi Liman against the 2021 Federal High Court judge recruitment was dismissed as it violated the six-month filing window set by NJC rules.
The Council also acknowledged the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Ahmed Ademola Bakre and approved a name change for Hon. Justice I. A. Osayande to Hon. Justice I. A. Dika of the Edo State High Court.
New Transparency Measures
In a move to boost transparency, the NJC resolved that the names of candidates for judicial appointments to superior courts will now be published for public scrutiny and feedback. This is aimed at encouraging public participation in safeguarding judicial integrity.
The NJC meeting was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.