News
Judicial Misconduct: NJC sets up panel to probe 35 petitions against 8 Judges
…okays elevation of Wike’s wife, 21 others to Court of Appeal
…bars 2 judges from getting promotion to Appeal Court for a period
The National Judicial Council, NJC, on Friday, said it has constituted panels to investigate eight judges for alleged judicial misconduct.
The Council, in a statement it made available to newsmen, said its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees filtered 35 petitions that were written against the judicial officers and them to be meritorious.
However, the legal body stressed that other petitions that were brought against 20 High Court judges across the federation, were dismissed for lack of merit, evidence of misconduct, subjudice or that they were matters that could be appealed.
It further disclosed that stern warnings were issued to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja for abuse of the discretionary power of a Judge by wrongly granting an ex parte order, as well as to Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of the Delta State High Court for his failure to deliver judgement within the stipulated period.
Whereas Justice Ekwo was barred from getting a promotion to the appellate court for a period of two years, Justice Brikins-Okolosi was barred for three years.
Besides, the NJC, which took the decisions at its 105th plenary meeting held on May 15 and 16, okayed the elevation of 22 judges to the Court of Appeal.
Among those who made the list of judges to be promoted to the bench of the appellate court, included the wife of the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Hon. Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette.
According to the Council, 64 others were recommended for appointment as judges of various other lower courts.
It said the recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in after the approval of their appointment by President Bola Tinubu and the Governors of their respective states.
Likewise, the Council said it deliberated on the notification of retirements of three Judicial Officers, among whom included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as well as the notification of death of three Judges of the Federal and State Courts.
The statement, which was signed by the Director of Information at the NJC,
Soji Oye, read: “The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, at its plenary of 105th Meeting held on 15 & 16 May 2024, resolved to issue warning letters to Hon Justice Inyang E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court.
“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.
“The Hon Judge is also barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of two years.
“Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court is also issued a warning for failure to deliver judgement within the stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor Vs Skye Bank, Suit No A/94/2010 after parties had filed and adopted their final Written Addresses.
“Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi will also not be elevated to a higher Bench for three years.
“Council cautioned Hon. Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court for issuing Writ of Possession Conferring Title on the Defendant in Suit No YBS/HC/NNR/1cv/2020 when there was no subsisting judgement of any Court to enable His Lordship issue the Writ.
“Council at the meeting considered two Reports of its two Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees that filtered 35 petitions written against Judges of the Federal and State High Courts and decided to empanel eight Committees to further investigate the petitions that were found meritorious by the Committees.
“Petition against various Judges were dismissed for lack of merit, evidence of misconduct, subjudice or that they were matters that could be appealed.
“The dismissed petitions were against Hon Justices A. M. Liman, A. A. Okeke, D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Hon Justices S. B. Belgore, Bello Kawu both of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Hon Justices O. A. Chijioke, A. E. Akeredolu and Kadi M. U. El-Mainari who sat on Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State, Hon Justice Okey Paulinus Aneke, High Court Enugu State and Hon Justice C. Anya of Abia State.
“Others are Hon Justices M. A. Ikpambese and W. I. Kpochi both of Benue High Court, Hon Justices T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka Chief Judge and B. C. Iheka of Imo State High Court, Hon Justice Rose Godwin Soji of Nasarawa State High Court, Hon Justice T. J. Yakubu, High Court Taraba State, High Justices W. N. Danagogo and Chinwendu Nworgu, High Court Rivers State, Hon Justice C. C. Okaa, High Court Anambra State and Hon Justice Abdullahi Sulyman High Court, Kogi State.
“The Council deliberated on the notification of retirements of three Judicial Officers including that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON and notification of death of three Judges of the Federal and State Courts.
“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.
They are as follows:
“Twenty-Two (22) Justices, Court of Appeal: Hon. Justice Kwahar Polycarp Terna, Hon. Justice Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola, Hon. Justice Eleojo Eneche, Hon. Justice Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf, Hon. Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, Hon. Justice Abdu Dogo, Hon. Justice Fadawu Umaru, Hon. Justice Ishaq Mohammed Sani, Hon. Justice Zainab Bage Abubakar, Hon. Justice Abdulazeez M. Anka, Hon. Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, Hon. Justice Nwoye Victoria Tochukwu, Hon. Justice Nwabunkeonye Onwosi, Hon. Justice Okorowo Donatus Uwaezuoke.
“Hon. Justice Ngozika Uwazurunonye Okaisabor, Hon. Justice Ntong Festus Ntong, Hon. Justice Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi, Hon. Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette, 19. Hon. Justice Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo, Hon. Justice Akinyemi Abiodun Azeem, Hon. Justice Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola and Hon. Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi.
“Twelve (12) Judges, High Court, FCT, Abuja: Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo, Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi, Anumaenwe Godwin Iheabunike, Odo Celestine Obinna, Hauwa Lawal Gummi, Abdurahman Usman, Buetnaan Mandy Bassi, Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh, Maryan Iye Yusuf, Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria, Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike and Munirat Ibrahim Tanko.
“Seven (7) Judges, Imo State High Court: Akowundu Cletus Ndubuisi, Uchenna Mary Njoku, Chibuogwu Ojiugo Chukwumaeze, Ononogbo Chidi Linus, Adaego Peace Nosiri, Emeka Ozoma Orafu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie.
“Six (6) Judges, Bauchi State High Court: Amin Umar Ilelah, Aliyu Bin Idris, Ahmed Shuaibu Ningi, Shafa’u Ladan Yusuf, Abdussalam Idris Waziri, Kawu A. Yerima.
“Three (3) Judges, Taraba State High Court: Hamidu Audu, Bibonga Jeniffer Nauma, Joel Daniel Ubandoma.
“Thirteen Judges, Lagos State High Court: Sunmonu Tunde Bashiru, Azeez Fimisola Augusta, Alebiosu Olawale Lawal, Adewale Russel Musiliu, Popoola Oluwatosin Ajose, Anjorin-Ajose Tanimola Abdulwaheed, Muyideen Abdul-Raheem Tejumade, George Alfred Akingbola, Balogun Adegboyega Ganiu, Shonubi Adenike Kudirat, Badejo-Okusanya Yewande Jokotola, Layinka Oyeladun Amope, Ojuromi Nalirat Olayinka Oluwatosin.
“Four (4) Judges, Kogi State High Court: Ajesola Joseph Sunday, Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Kadiri Badama, Ezema Beatrice Ada.
“Two (2) Judges, Jigawa State High Court: Mohammad El-Usman, Nilfa Abdullahi Gambo.
“Five (5) Kadis, Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State: Ishaku Magaji Abdurrahman Hassan Sabo, Bello Mohammed Sambowal, Muhyiddeen Mohammed, Mahmoud Idris Shehu Tiyin.
“Five (5) Kadis, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kogi State: Muhammad Muhammad Bello, Okino Isah Saidu, Yakubu Adavenge Abbas, Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu, Idris Alhaji Abdullahi.
“One (1) Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Jigawa State: Mukhtar Shuaibu Adam.
“Three (3) Judges, Imo State Customary Court of Appeal: Everyman Ezenna Eleanya, Ofoha Sylvesta Uchenna, Ibeh Rosemond Oluchi.
“Two Judges, Customary Court of Appeal, Taraba State: Esther Tata, Benjamin Samuila Bawage.
“One (1) Judge, Customary Court of Appeal, Kogi State: Maryann Oziohu Otaru.
“All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after the approval of the NJC recommendations to the President and their respective State Governors,” the statement read.
The Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has strongly criticized the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing both chambers of aiding in the desecration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Caucus meeting, held at the residence of former leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Afenifere stated that members of the National Assembly have demonstrated a lack of courage in defending the democratic rights of Nigerians.
The communiqué, signed by Afenifere Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary Prince Justice Faloye, described the President’s action and the National Assembly’s endorsement as “an ill-wind that blows the nation no good and a spit in the face of Nigerians.”
Afenifere called on the leadership of the National Assembly to step down in the interest of integrity, decency, and respect for the principle of separation of powers, which it described as the foundation of democracy.
“Contrary to the expectations of Nigerians but in a manner consistent with its proven character, the 10th Assembly in both chambers not only joined hands with the President in further desecrating the already tenuous 1999 Constitution but also demonstrated a lack of courage to defend the democratic rights of the people,” the communiqué read.
It further criticized the use of a voice vote to approve the emergency rule, arguing that such a procedure obscured constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority vote in matters of national significance.
“The resort to a voice vote, thereby avoiding compliance with constitutional provisions, is a clear attempt to obscure the required legislative plebiscite on such a matter of monumental national importance. The President’s unilateral reversal of the electoral decision of the people of Rivers State is an affront to democracy and spits on the faces of Nigerians,” Afenifere stated.
Afenifere warned that the increasing concentration of power in the executive arm of government posed a serious threat to democracy, likening the situation to the way Adolf Hitler hijacked German democracy.
“By these very acts, a new gambit has emerged—a crisis of Nigerian constitutionalism—where both the horizontal principle of separation of powers and the vertical principles of federalism are being undemocratically usurped by an all-powerful executive that believes it can do whatever it wants,” the communiqué added.
The group also dismissed the recent vote of confidence passed on Senate President Godswill Akpabio by his colleagues, stating that it was an admission of a crisis of confidence within the Senate itself.
Afenifere urged all Nigerians to rise in defense of democracy and the rule of law, warning that failure to act could lead to the destruction of the country’s hard-won democratic system.
“We call on all people of goodwill to take legitimate action to restore the rule of law, ensure best democratic practices, and save Nigerian democracy. We must nip this in the bud before our democracy is completely eroded,” the communiqué concluded.
The Organised Labour has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may be forced to take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the proclamation is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.
The threat was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta.
The labour unions raised concerns about the legality, economic impact, and consequences of the federal government’s actions.
The Organised Labour described the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara; deputy governor, Ngozi Odu; and House of Assembly members as premature and baseless.
According to the union leaders, the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes undermines democracy.
They insisted that such actions must be reversed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
They highlighted the immediate hardship the state of emergency has caused for local government workers, many of whom have yet to receive their salaries.
The statement noted that withholding workers’ wages has exposed them to avoidable economic suffering, particularly at a time when the cost of living is already high.
The Organised Labour warned that the state of emergency could have devastating economic consequences, emphasising Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
It said with the nation already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, rising unemployment, and skyrocketing living costs, further instability in Rivers State could worsen the situation nationwide.
The statement also pointed out that the political uncertainty caused by the state of emergency has driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in the state’s economic initiative.
This loss of investment, according to labour leaders, is damaging the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and will have long-term consequences for economic development and employment opportunities in the region.
While acknowledging the need for maintaining law and order, the Organized Labour stressed that such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
The unions argued that suspending elected officials and allegedly disrupting salary payments for workers violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.
They urged the Federal Government to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests, warning that any governance approach that sacrifices workers’ well-being for political maneuvers would only heighten tensions and resistance.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to take immediate steps to reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended elected officials.
In a bid to resolve the situation peacefully, the unions advised the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
They warned that a failure to do so could lead to further escalation of the crisis, worsening the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
While calling on workers to remain calm and continue their duties, the Organised Labour leaders warned that they would not hesitate to take strategic union actions if their demands were not met within a reasonable timeframe.
Such actions, they emphasised, could have significant consequences for national economic activities. (Channels TV)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the petition submitted for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan fell short of some requirements.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said this in a statement issued on Thursday, 25th March, 2025.
Olumekun said the commission would take the necessary steps in line with laid down provisions if the petitioners completes the process in the appropriate manner.
“The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.”
“The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.
“The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.
“The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.
“The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
“Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.”
The Commission reassured the public that it would be guided by the legal framework for recall.
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