NJC Suspends Two Judges Over Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court for one year without pay due to misconduct. Both judges have also been placed on a two-year watch list following the suspension.

The decision was made during the NJC’s 107th meeting, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on November 13 and 14, 2024. A total of five serving judicial officers were sanctioned for various misconducts during the meeting.

In addition to the suspensions, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judicial officers, Hon. Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State after they were found guilty of falsifying their ages.

The Council also reviewed 30 petitions through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee. Of these, 22 were dismissed for lack of merit, two were deemed sub judice, and six committees were formed for further investigation. The Council further established a committee to investigate ongoing complaints against Hon. Justice O.A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.