NJC Suspends Three Judges Over Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges, including a Justice of the Court of Appeal, for one year without pay due to misconduct.

The decision was made during the Council’s 108th meeting, which took place on April 29 and 30, 2025. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun led the meeting.

In a statement released on Wednesday night by Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, it was announced that Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was found guilty of violating the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

According to the NJC, “Justice Jane E. Inyang was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate Ex parte Orders for the sale of Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at the interlocutory stage of the case.

“The act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, at the Federal High Court, Uyo Judicial Division, before his elevation to Court of Appeal.”

Another judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, was also suspended for a year without pay. He has also been placed on the Council’s Watch List and will not be considered for promotion for five years.

“The complaints against Hon. Justice Ekwo arose from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, wherein His Lordship delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties,” the NJC said.

“His Lordship ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the Court conducted in the absence of the parties. Subsequently, His Lordship proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the Defendants. Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it added.

The third judge, Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, was also given a one-year suspension without pay for similar misconduct.

In another decision, the NJC asked the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to cancel the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of the state.

The Council said the governor must instead appoint the most senior judge in the Imo State High Court, as required by Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The NJC noted that the Constitution does not allow the governor to choose who to appoint in such cases.