The National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced the suspension of Justice G. C Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A.O Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court from performing judicial functions. Both justices have been suspended for a period of one year without pay, and will also be placed on a watch list for two years following the end of their suspension. This decision was reached at the 107th Meeting of the NJC, which was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on 13 and 14 November 2024.
In addition to the suspension of the two justices, a total of 5 serving Judicial Officers were sanctioned for various acts of misconduct. The Council also recommended the compulsory retirement of two Heads of Court – the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi – due to falsification of their ages.
Furthermore, the Council reviewed the Report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which considered a total of 30 petitions and empanelled 6 Committees for further investigation. Of these petitions, 22 were dismissed for lacking in merit, while two were deemed sub judice. A Committee was also formed to investigate all complaints and petitions against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
