NJC suspends three judges without pay, sanctions three others over misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay over allegations involving abuse of judicial powers, unlawful detention of litigants and breaches of established court procedures.

The council also approved warning letters and cautions for several other judicial officers following investigations into complaints bordering on professional misconduct and improper handling of court proceedings.

The decisions were taken at the NJC’s 112th meeting held on Tuesday and announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.

The three judges handed one-year suspensions are Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal and Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court.

In addition to their suspensions, Kabir and Biambo were barred from elevation for three years over their handling of cases involving civil disputes.

Why NJC suspended three judges

According to the council, Kabir was found culpable of issuing bench warrants and imposing fines on litigants involved in a civil dispute without following the required legal procedures.

The NJC consequently approved her suspension without pay for one year and imposed a three-year restriction on her elevation.

Biambo received the same punishment over similar findings relating to the issuance of bench warrants and the imposition of fines on parties involved in a civil dispute without due process.

Salihu was suspended for one year without pay over his involvement in reopening a judgment previously delivered by the FCT Upper Area Court.

The council considered the actions of the three judicial officers serious enough to warrant disciplinary measures, including temporary removal from judicial duties.

NJC warns judges over handling of sensitive cases

Beyond the suspensions, the NJC approved caution and warning measures against other judicial officers following petitions examined by its disciplinary committees.

Among those affected was Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court, who came under scrutiny over his decision to grant interim bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, despite an existing remand order issued by another judge of the same court.

The council said it found merit in the petition against Kawu and directed that he receive a warning letter and be placed on its watchlist.

The watchlist arrangement is intended to keep the affected judicial officers under observation following the disciplinary findings.

Another judge, Mohammed Zubairu, also of the FCT High Court, was cautioned over his handling of a matter after being informed that an appeal had already been entered at the Court of Appeal.

The NJC’s investigation committee found that Zubairu acted improperly by entertaining an application and making orders despite being aware of the pending appeal.

The council consequently directed that he be cautioned and placed on its watchlist.

Two Nasarawa judges faulted over delayed judgment

The NJC also found merit in complaints against Danjuma Oyigbenu and Isa Ebini Kana, both judges of the Nasarawa State High Court.

The petitions concerned their failure to deliver judgment in an appeal within the constitutionally prescribed period of 90 days.

Following the committee’s findings, the council approved disciplinary action against the two judicial officers through the issuance of caution and warning measures.

The issue of delayed judgments remains a significant concern in the administration of justice, particularly where prolonged proceedings affect litigants awaiting the resolution of their cases.

NJC cautions judges over breach of court procedures

The disciplinary review also covered the conduct of C. A. Ogbuagor of the Enugu State High Court.

According to the NJC, Ogbuagor demonstrated what it described as judicial impertinence by continuing proceedings despite the existence of a pending appeal and an application seeking a stay of proceedings.

The council cautioned the judge and advised him to familiarise himself with the laws and procedures governing appeals to avoid similar breaches.

Chibuike L. Azuama of the Imo State High Court was also cautioned and placed on the NJC’s watchlist.

The council found that Azuama granted an ex parte garnishee order directing the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Puma Energy, a company that was not a party to the substantive suit.

The NJC advised him to take his judicial responsibilities more seriously.

Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court was also cautioned over his handling of post-judgment garnishee proceedings in a case involving First Bank of Nigeria.Buy Maps

NJC dismisses some petitions, continues others

Meanwhile, the council dismissed petitions against two judicial officers, B. M. Balarabe and Evelyn N. Anyadike, after the complainants withdrew their allegations.

It also struck out a petition against Peter O. Ikujuni of the Ondo State High Court on the grounds that it had been leaked or published on social media.

Another petition, involving Abdullahi Mika’ilu of the Niger State High Court, was dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution.

However, the council decided that its investigation into a petition against G. N. Ugbala of the Ebonyi State High Court would continue despite the petitioner’s decision to withdraw the complaint.

The latest decisions reflect the NJC’s disciplinary oversight of judicial officers across the country, particularly in cases involving alleged abuse of judicial authority, disregard for court procedures and delays in the administration of justice.