The National Judicial Council on Wednesday announced that it has sanctioned a judge serving in the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia based on the outcome of investigations of allegations of misconduct against her in a petition.
NJC said by the sanction, the Judge has been barred from elevation to a higher position in the judiciary, while she would also not be considered for any ad hoc assignment.
While announcing the sanctions in a statement signed by Soji Oye, its spokesperson, NJC also warned the Judge against any form of misconduct in the future.
The Council said it will place the Judge under watch for the next four years.
“The decision was sequel to the petition written against her by one Victoria Ayeni alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of Hon. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for failing to deliver judgment in Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/31/2011, a pre-election matter between Victoria A. A. Ayeni and Olusola Sonuga and 2 ors.
“She was also alleged to have adjourned the pre-Election matter severally until the termination of the life span of the Ogun State House of Assembly,” Oye said in the statement as the reasons for the punishment meted out to the Judge.
He added that the decision to sanction Justice Ajugomobia was taken at the meeting of the Council held between 24 and 25 February, 2016.
The meeting was presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, the chairman of the Council.
“The National Judicial Council, Under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON, at its Meeting which was held on the 24th and 25th February, 2016 decided to warn Hon. Justice Ruth Ofili-Ajumogobia and also put her on the ‘watch-list’ of the Council for the next four years.
“The honourable judge will also not be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or any ad-hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the bench,” Oye said.
