The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay over allegations of judicial misconduct, while also ordering Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to reverse the controversial appointment of the state’s acting Chief Judge, Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu. The decisions followed the NJC’s 108th meeting on April 29–30, 2025, where it addressed multiple petitions and disciplinary matters.
Suspended judges include Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, found guilty of abusing her office by issuing improper ex parte orders for the sale of a petitioner’s properties at an interlocutory stage in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, was penalized for dismissing a case without hearing the parties in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, violating judicial conduct rules. He faces a five-year bar on elevation and placement on the NJC’s watchlist. Similarly, Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, was suspended for granting an order that obstructed security agencies’ statutory duties in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, disregarding legal precedent.
The NJC further directed Governor Uzodimma to appoint the most senior judge in Imo State’s High Court hierarchy as acting Chief Judge, in line with Section 271(4) of the Nigerian Constitution. It demanded explanations within seven days from Justice Nzeukwu and Imo’s Customary Court of Appeal President, Justice V. U. Okorie, over their roles in the disputed appointment. Justice Okorie, who chaired the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) meeting recommending Nzeukwu, was accused of constitutional breaches.
The council dismissed 29 petitions, issued a caution to Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and deferred action on complaints against other judges pending appellate court outcomes. It also barred petitioner Mahmud Aliyu from future judicial appointments for submitting unsubstantiated claims against Zamfara State’s 2022 judicial recruitment process.
In a significant policy shift, the NJC announced that future judicial appointments to superior courts will undergo public scrutiny, with candidate names published to invite feedback on their integrity and competence. This move aims to enhance transparency and public trust in the judiciary.
It also approved the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Ahmed Ademola Bakre and a name change request from Justice I. A. Osayande to Justice I. A. Dika of Edo State’s High Court. The NJC emphasized that unresolved petitions, including those against Justice Othman A. Musa and Justice C. N. Mbonu Nwenyi, would remain pending until related court processes conclude.
