The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges, including a Justice of the Court of Appeal, for misconduct. Each judge will serve a one-year suspension without pay. The NJC reached the decision during its 108th meeting on April 29 and 30, 2025. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, presided over the meeting.
Kemi Ogedengbe, NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, announced the suspension in a statement issued Wednesday night. She disclosed that Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, violated the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
The Council found that Justice Inyang issued improper Ex parte orders for the sale of a petrol station and other businesses. The misconduct occurred during his tenure at the Federal High Court, Uyo, while handling Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, before his promotion to the Court of Appeal.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, also received a one-year suspension without pay. The NJC placed him on its Watch List and banned him from promotion for five years.
Justice Ekwo, according to the NJC, ruled on a pending application without hearing from the parties. He dismissed charges against defendants without considering a request to set aside earlier proceedings. The NJC stated that he breached Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, faced the same punishment. The Council cited similar ethical violations in his conduct.
NJC Tells Uzodimma to Appoint Most Senior Judge
In another resolution, the NJC directed Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to cancel Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu’s appointment as Acting Chief Judge. The Council ordered the governor to appoint the most senior judge in the Imo State High Court, as mandated by Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The NJC reminded the governor that the Constitution does not give him the power to handpick who serves as Chief Judge. The appointment must follow due legal process, the Council stressed.
