The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken disciplinary action against three judges, barring them from elevation for two to three years over various offences.
The NJC, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, made this decision at its 105th Meeting held on May 15 and 16, 2024, News About Nigeria reports.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court was warned over an abuse of discretionary power, specifically for wrongly granting an ex parte order in a suit. He is barred from being elevated to a higher bench for two years.
Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court received a warning for failing to deliver judgment within the stipulated period, even after parties had filed and adopted their final written addresses. He is barred from elevation for three years.
Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court was cautioned for issuing a writ of possession conferring title on the defendant in a case without a subsisting judgment from any court to justify the issuance of the writ. She is also barred from elevation for three years.
The NJC reviewed two reports from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, which examined 35 petitions against judges from the Federal and State High Courts. Eight committees were formed to further investigate the petitions deemed meritorious by the assessment committees.
Additionally, the NJC considered recommendations from its Interview Committee on the Appointment of Judicial Officers for all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria. The Council resolved to recommend 86 judicial officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal of various states in Nigeria.
These candidates will be sworn in after the NJC’s recommendations are approved by the President and their respective state governors.
The NJC also dismissed petitions against various judges for lack of merit, evidence of misconduct, subjudice, or matters that could be appealed.
In a statement, NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye, said, “The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, at its plenary of 105th Meeting held on 15 & 16 May 2024, resolved to issue warning letters to Hon Justice Inyang E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court.”
