Judicial Discipline In Full Gear: NJC Takes Tough Decisions Nationwide

The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, announced a wave of judicial appointments and disciplinary measures after its 109th meeting held on June 25, 2025.

The meeting marks a significant moment for the judiciary across Nigeria, with Imo State’s judicial arm taking centre stage in a series of unprecedented disciplinary decisions.

In a statement signed by Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information at the NJC, several key appointments were confirmed.

These included that of Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye as the new Chief Judge of Ekiti State and Hon. Kadi Abba Mammadi as Grand Kadi of Yobe State.

Additionally, the Council has recommended Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, Esq. for appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

These appointments followed a thorough vetting process which incorporated public feedback and candidate interviews.

All were conducted in line with the NJC’s revised 2023 guidelines for appointing judicial officers.

New Judges Across the States

In a bid to strengthen judicial capacity nationwide, 18 judges were recommended for appointment across several states.

Cross River, Ogun, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Katsina States are all set to receive new High Court, Sharia Court, or Customary Court of Appeal judges.

These appointments aim to fill longstanding vacancies and improve the dispensation of justice in affected areas.

Public Reactions and Scrutiny

Following the NJC’s earlier public call for comments on potential appointees, 86 submissions were received, 73 were supportive, while 13 expressed concerns.

Notably, five of the negative submissions lacked valid affidavits and were thus disregarded.

Allegations regarding candidates from Plateau, Kano, Zamfara, and Katsina states were also reviewed.

One candidate was disqualified following a substantiated claim.

Spotlight on Imo State: NJC Cracks Down on Judicial Misconduct

Imo State was the epicentre of the Council’s disciplinary focus.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the state’s judiciary, the NJC has recommended the compulsory retirement of ten judges from Imo.

Nine of them were found guilty of falsifying their birth records to extend their tenure illegally, a serious breach of trust and judicial ethics.

Those affected include:

High Court Judges:

Hon. Justice M. E. Nwagboso

Hon. Justice B. C. Iheka

Hon. Justice K. A. Leaweanya

Hon. Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi

Hon. Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi

Customary Court of Appeal Judges:

Hon. Justice Tennyson Nze

Hon. Justice Ofoha Uchenna

Hon. Justice Everyman Eleanya

Hon. Justice Rosemond Ibe

Additionally, Hon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was sanctioned for violating constitutional order by presenting himself as Acting Chief Judge despite being only fourth in seniority.

This was a clear contravention of Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The NJC, however, cleared Hon. Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

Justice Okorie had chaired the Judicial Service Commission that made the controversial recommendation.

The Council noted that Justice Okorie formally dissented during the process.

The Council reaffirmed its directive to Governor Hope Uzodinma to swear in the most senior judge in Imo State as Acting Chief Judge, in line with constitutional requirements.

Other Judges Cleared in Imo

Following a comprehensive investigation involving 18 judges from the Imo Judiciary, the NJC dismissed all allegations against six judges who provided reasonable explanations for age discrepancies or had corrections made against them.

Among those cleared were Hon. Justices I. O. Agugua, C. A. Ononeze-Madu, L. C. Azuama, and others.

Disciplinary Decisions Beyond Imo

Elsewhere, the NJC barred Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court from elevation for three years.

He was found guilty of misconduct in a high-stakes ₦1 billion case involving Nasarawa State Government funds, marred by bias and conflict of interest.

His use of official channels for personal claims and meddling in appeal proceedings sealed his sanction.

Other judges cautioned include:

Justice Rahman A. Oshodi (Lagos) for poor discretion;

Justice Daniel Okungbowa (Edo) for similar infractions;

Justice Sa’adatu I. Mark (Federal High Court) for delayed judgment;

Justice G. B. Okolosi (Delta) received a final warning for repeatedly breaching judgment delivery timelines.

Benue’s Case and Political Undercurrents

In Benue State, Chief Judge M. A. Ikpambese was exonerated after politically motivated petitions from State Attorney-General Fidelis Mnyim and others were found baseless.

Interestingly, the NJC turned the spotlight on Mnyim himself, resolving to report him to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee for allegedly instigating a targeted campaign against the Chief Judge.

Closing Notes

The NJC also dismissed petitions against several other judges after finding them either meritless or withdrawn.

In a rare but firm move, it blacklisted one Peter N. Ekemezie, labelling him a “serial petitioner” and banning him from submitting future complaints.

Final Word

For Imo State’s judiciary, this is a turning point, an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and recommit to integrity.

The NJC’s actions send a strong message nationwide: the bench is not a place for compromise.

The law, and those who uphold it, must remain beyond reproach.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook