Abuja, Nigeria — The National Judicial Council (NJC) has imposed a one-year suspension without pay on three judicial officers, including a Justice of the Court of Appeal, for acts deemed to constitute serious judicial misconduct.
The disciplinary measures were part of key resolutions reached during the Council’s 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairman, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, the Council announced that Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was sanctioned for issuing inappropriate ex parte orders related to a commercial dispute while serving at the Federal High Court, Uyo. Specifically, Justice Inyang was found to have contravened Rule 3(5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by authorizing the sale of petrol stations and other assets belonging to one Udeme Esset during the interlocutory stage of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023.
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Similarly, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, received a one-year suspension without pay and was placed on the Council’s watch list, barring him from elevation to a higher bench for the next five years. The NJC found that Justice Ekwo violated Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct when he delivered a ruling in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021 without affording parties the opportunity to be heard. He also failed to act on an application seeking to nullify prior proceedings held in the absence of legal representation.
In addition, Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, was suspended for one year without pay for misconduct, though the Council did not disclose specific details regarding the infraction.
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Beyond the disciplinary actions, the NJC also directed Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to rescind the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of the state. Citing Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Council emphasized that the appointment of an acting Chief Judge must follow the established order of seniority within the state judiciary. It warned that the governor does not possess discretionary powers in such appointments and must comply strictly with constitutional mandates.
The Council reiterated its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and the rule of law across Nigeria’s judicial system.
