The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of Chief Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, has announced a major shake-up in Nigeria’s judiciary following its 109th meeting on June 25, 2025. The Council has recommended new appointments, accepted retirements, and taken significant disciplinary actions against several judges.
Among the major appointments, the NJC has recommended Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar for the position of Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, a nomination now awaiting President Tinubu’s approval. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye has also been recommended as Chief Judge of Ekiti State, while Kadi Abba Mammadi is set to become the Grand Kadi of Yobe State.
A total of 18 new judges were also recommended across different states including Cross River, Ogun, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Katsina. The recommendations came after a thorough process involving public input and interviews, aligned with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.
The NJC also confirmed the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Ademola Bakre (Ogun State) and Justice H. O. Ajayi (Kwara State).
However, the Council’s most headline-grabbing decisions came from disciplinary proceedings. In Imo State, 10 judges were recommended for compulsory retirement. Nine of them were found guilty of falsifying their dates of birth to extend their judicial service, while Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was sanctioned for presenting himself as Acting Chief Judge despite being fourth in line. His actions were ruled as a breach of the 1999 Constitution.
Justice V. U. Okorie, who chaired the commission that endorsed Nzeukwu’s appointment, was cleared due to his documented dissent.
The NJC ordered Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to swear in the most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge to restore constitutional order in the state judiciary.
Further disciplinary action was taken against Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court, who has been barred from any promotion for three years. He was found guilty of misconduct in a ₦1 billion case involving Nasarawa State. His missteps included issuing orders despite pending appeals, handling cases with personal interest, and even visiting an appellate court registry in person—an unusual and inappropriate move for a sitting judge.
Other disciplinary actions included:
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A caution for Justice Rahman A. Oshodi for misuse of discretion,
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A caution for Justice Daniel Okungbowa of Edo State over abuse of discretion,
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A caution to Justice Sa’adatu I. Mark for delayed judgment beyond constitutional limits, and
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A final warning to Justice G. B. Okolosi of Delta State for consistent violations regarding judgment timelines.
The Council also reviewed a politically charged petition against Justice M. A. Ikpambese, Chief Judge of Benue State. The NJC dismissed the complaints, which it found unsubstantiated and politically motivated. In contrast, the Council has referred the state’s Attorney-General, Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for orchestrating what it described as a campaign of misinformation.
Numerous other petitions were either withdrawn or dismissed for lacking merit, including those against Justices A. M. Liman, S. A. Amobeda, Muhammad Auwal Haruna, and Binta Fatima Murtala Nyako. A few petitions were placed on hold due to pending court cases.
Finally, the Council blacklisted Peter N. Ekemezie, labeling him a “serial petitioner,” and barred him from lodging future complaints due to consistent abuse of the NJC complaint process.
This wide-ranging set of actions reflects the NJC’s renewed commitment to judicial integrity, transparency in appointments, and accountability for those who abuse their positions within the Nigerian justice system.
