The National Judicial Council (NJC) of Nigeria announced on Friday, May 17, 2024 the establishment of investigative panels to probe eight judges for alleged judicial misconduct.
This follows the assessment of 35 petitions deemed meritorious by the NJC’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees. The NJC dismissed other petitions against 20 high court judges due to lack of merit, insufficient evidence, or the matters being subjudice or appealable.
Two judges received stern warnings and were barred from promotion for specific periods. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja was reprimanded for abuse of discretionary power by improperly granting an ex parte order, and was barred from appellate court promotion for two years. The NJC stated, “Hon Justice Inyang E. Ekwo is warned for abuse of discretionary power of a Judge by wrongly granting an ex parte order in Suit No FHC/ABJ/C/626/2023 Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors V Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors.” Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of the Delta State High Court was warned for delayed judgment delivery and barred from promotion for three years. The NJC noted, “Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court is also issued a warning for failure to deliver judgement within stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor Vs Skye Bank, Suit No A/94/2010 after parties had filed and adopted their final Written Addresses.”
Additionally, the NJC approved the elevation of 22 judges, including Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette, wife of the former Rivers State Governor, to the Court of Appeal. The NJC detailed, “Council at the Meeting also considered the recommendation of its Interview Committee on Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria and resolved to recommend the under-listed 86 Judicial Officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal of States in Nigeria.”
A total of 64 candidates were recommended for various judicial appointments pending the approval of President Bola Tinubu and respective state governors.
