The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken a significant step towards ensuring accountability in the judiciary by setting up four committees to investigate allegations of misconduct against 27 judges. This decision was made during the NJC’s 106th meeting, held on August 14 and 15, 2024, in Abuja.
The committees will investigate various levels of misconduct, including allegations made in 22 petitions written against the judges. The NJC has also issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, urging him to be more mindful of his actions as a judicial officer.
In addition, the NJC evaluated the performance of 215 judges and placed five judges on a watchlist for poor performance. These judges will be recommended for appropriate sanctions if they do not improve their performance.
The NJC’s Chairman, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation he received from members of the council and the council’s secretariat during his tenure. He implored them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.
This move by the NJC demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the judiciary in Nigeria.