The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended an Anambra State High Court Judge, Justice A.O. Nwabunike, for one year without pay, effective immediately.
This 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.
Justice Nwabunike’s suspension is a result of breaching the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016, specifically Rule 3.1. Additionally, the judge failed to adhere to the principle of stare decisis and abused judicial powers by granting ex parte orders without a Motion on Notice filed along with the Originating Summons.
Following the suspension, Justice Nwabunike will be placed on a two-year watch list. The NJC also sanctioned four other judicial officers for various acts of misconduct, including recommending the compulsory retirement of two senior judges for age falsification.
The Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were recommended for compulsory retirement due to age falsification.
Moreover, Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State was cautioned to be more circumspect in handling sensitive matters in the future.
Also, the NJC empaneled six committees to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct and set up a committee to probe all complaints against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State .
These decisions demonstrate the NJC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and accountability of the judiciary in Nigeria.
