By Hamzat Ameenat, Lagos, Nigeria
The National Judicial Council (NJC), has handed down a one-year suspension without pay to three Nigerian judges following findings of judicial misconduct.
According to the NJC spokesperson, Mrs. Kemi Babalola, the decision, which came at the Council’s 108th meeting held between April 29 and 30, 2025, impacts Justices Jane E. Inyang, Inyang Ekwo, and Aminu Baffa Aliyu.
According to the statement provided to the press, It was stated that Justice Jane E. Inyang, who served on the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was found guilty of abusing her office by issuing inappropriate ex parte orders for selling a petrol station and other businesses in an ongoing case.
The NJC cited this as violating the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, specifically Rule 3 (5). This misconduct occurred during her time presiding over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023 at the Federal High Court, Uyo Division, before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.
The statement reads: “The council suspends Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang, Court of Appeal, Uyo division, for one year without pay, as the Investigation Committee found
His Lordship to have breached Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“Hon. Justice Inyang was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate ex parte orders for the sale of Hon. Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at the interlocutory stage of the case.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, was also placed on suspension for a year without pay due to allegations stemming from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021.
The statement continued: “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. 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.”
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu, of the Federal High Court in Zamfara, faced a similar fate, with the NJC suspending him for a year without pay for misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, between the Government of Zamfara State and the EFCC.
His actions, in accordance with the statement, were deemed to disregard the doctrine of stare decisis, the principle that courts should follow precedent, when he issued a restraining order against security agencies. Like the other two judges, Justice Aliyu has been placed on a three-year watch list, barring him from elevation.
The NJC also took action on several other matters during its meeting, including issuing a letter of caution to Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, following a petition filed by one Kasali Azeez Olagoke and S. Hamza.
Meanwhile, the NJC has set up nine committees to investigate 27 other judges following allegations of misconduct in various petitions. The Council emphasised its commitment to ensuring judicial accountability and the integrity of the judiciary.
Mrs. Babalola’s statement also highlighted the NJC’s ongoing efforts to address complaints of judicial misconduct.
She said: “The Council is determined to uphold the rule of law and the high standards expected from judicial officers.”
Additionally, the NJC addressed other petitions, including complaints about the recruitment process for judicial officers in Zamfara State and the unconstitutional composition of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission.
The Council resolved that allegations in some petitions were based on falsehoods, with actions taken to prevent future participation in judicial appointments for those found to be spreading misinformation.
The NJC’s meeting also included the approval of the voluntary retirement of Hon. Justice Babatunde Ahmed Ademola Bakre and a change of name for Hon. Justice I. A. Osayande to Hon. Justice I. A. Dika of the Edo State High Court.
To increase transparency, the NJC announced that henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for judicial appointments will be published for public comment, allowing citizens to voice any objections related to integrity, reputation, or competence.
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