NJC Disciplines 11 Judges Over Judicial Misconduct and Procedural Breaches

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken significant disciplinary action against eleven judicial officers, suspending three and issuing formal cautions to eight others. These decisions, finalized during the Council’s 112th meeting on November 3, 2026, under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, reflect an ongoing effort to address complaints regarding judicial conduct and the administration of justice across various states.

Suspensions and Restrictions

The Council imposed one-year suspensions without pay on three judges, citing severe procedural lapses and abuse of authority. The sanctioned officers include:

• Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir (Nasarawa State High Court): Suspended for ordering the 58-day detention of a litigant without following mandatory contempt proceedings or serving required legal notices.
• Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu (Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal): Suspended for overstepping his authority by attempting to review a judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction and reassigning the case for a new ruling.
• Justice Sobere Biambo (Rivers State High Court): Suspended for ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing fines in a civil dispute without proper legal process.

In addition to their suspensions, all three judges have been barred from consideration for elevation to higher courts for a period of three years.

Cautions and Procedural Warnings

Eight other judicial officers received formal warnings or cautions for various infractions. Among these, Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court was cautioned for his handling of garnishee proceedings involving First Bank of Nigeria Plc, specifically regarding the granting of an order after a previous application had been withdrawn. Justice Bello Kawu was also cautioned for granting interim bail to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami despite an existing remand order from another judge.

Other judges, including Justices Danjuma Oyigbenu and Isa Ebini Kana, received warnings for failing to deliver judgments within the constitutionally mandated 90-day window. Further cautions were issued to Justices Mohammed Zubairu, C. A. Ogbuagor, and Chibuike Azuama for various procedural errors, including continuing proceedings despite pending appeals or issuing orders against parties not involved in the substantive suits.

Broader Judicial Oversight

Beyond the disciplinary actions, the NJC reviewed 35 petitions submitted through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees. Of these, 24 were dismissed for lacking merit, four were referred for further investigation, and one was placed in abeyance due to its sub judice status. The Council also directed that investigations continue into a petition against Justice G. N. Ugbala of the Ebonyi State High Court, notwithstanding the petitioner’s attempt to withdraw the complaint.

As part of its administrative duties, the Council recommended 28 candidates for various judicial appointments across several states and addressed the retirement of six judicial officers. It also intervened in the selection process for the Imo State Chief Judge, directing that the acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, be included on the shortlist.

Conclusion

The recent actions by the NJC underscore the regulatory body’s commitment to maintaining judicial standards. By addressing complaints ranging from unlawful detention to procedural negligence, the Council aims to ensure that judicial officers adhere to the rule of law and the constitutional requirements of their office.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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