The National Judicial Council (NJC) has sanctioned two high-ranking judges—Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court—for professional misconduct.
The NJC announced on Friday that the judges were suspended from performing judicial duties for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list.
This decision was reached during the council’s 107th meeting, held on November 13 and 14, 2024, under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Aguma was found guilty of aiding a litigant who secured a judgment at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja but pursued enforcement through garnishee proceedings in Rivers State.
The NJC stated that Justice Aguma failed to question why the proceedings were filed in his jurisdiction, even though the original judgment could have been enforced in Abuja.
Additionally, the council noted the unusual speed with which he granted an order absolute against the judgment debtors, despite being notified of a stay of execution granted by the Bwari High Court.
Justice Nwabunike faced similar allegations of misconduct, prompting the NJC’s disciplinary action.
The NJC also sanctioned three other judicial officers for various acts of misconduct. Furthermore, the council recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judicial figures: the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi. Both were found to have falsified their ages to extend their tenure.
In total, the council reviewed 30 petitions during the meeting, dismissing 22 as lacking merit and designating six for further investigation.
A committee was also empaneled to investigate complaints against Hon. Justice O.A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.
The NJC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary by addressing misconduct and ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
It emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in judicial operations to strengthen public trust in the legal system.
This development underscores the NJC’s zero-tolerance policy for ethical breaches within the judiciary and its dedication to promoting fairness and justice in the country.