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Tag: Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

  • 2027: CJN cautions judges on how to handle election-related cases

    2027: CJN cautions judges on how to handle election-related cases

    Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges to be careful in their handling of election-related matters.

    She advised them to stop granting conflicting decisions, encouraging forum shopping, and abuse of ex parte orders, among others.

    The CJN spoke yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Federal High Court and the court’s 41st annual judges’ conference.

    She said: “As we look ahead to the 2027 general election, the Judiciary will once again be called upon to play a stabilising national role.

    “Election-related disputes must be handled with discipline, consistency, and strict adherence to constitutional and statutory timelines.

    “The nation looks to the courts for clarity and balance at such critical moments. This court has a crucial role to play in pre-election dispute resolution.

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    “Conflicting interim orders, forum shopping, and the abuse of ex parte processes undermine the credibility of the entire justice system and weaken public confidence.

    “Heads of divisions must, therefore, enforce procedural discipline firmly and fairly.

    “The Judiciary must never be perceived as a theatre for political gamesmanship; it must remain a sanctuary of constitutional order.”

    Justice Kekere-Ekun also urged judges to prevent delays and judicial officers to actively manage cases and guide proceedings.

    The CJN said the National Judicial Council (NJC) would continue to strengthen oversight of case progression to support efficiency and institutional discipline.

    She stressed that the Judiciary was committed to improving the working conditions, infrastructure, research support and safety of judicial officers.

    According to her, a judge who feels insecure cannot dispense justice confidently.

    The CJN noted that unpredictable or inefficient court processes could undermine even well-reasoned judgments, emphasising that punctuality, consistency in court sittings, and transparent communication with litigants and counsel are essential components of justice delivery.

    “Our judgments constitute our voice, and the manner in which we discharge our duties defines the authority and credibility of that voice,” she stated.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun said there is a need for judicial independence that is anchored on responsibility, courage, and moral clarity.

    The CJN praised judges of the Federal High Court for continuing to discharge their duties with professionalism, despite mounting pressure and public scrutiny.

    For the Justice sector’s reforms to achieve their goals, Justice Kekere-Ekun said digitisation is no longer optional but a core institutional priority.

    The CJN called for the expansion of virtual hearings, e-filing, electronic case tracking and secure digital records to enhance speed, accountability and public trust in the courts.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, expressed delight about the court’s performance in the past legal year, in its efforts to enhance efficient and effective service delivery.

    Justice Tsoho stated that at the end of the 2023/2024 legal year, a total of 161,999 cases were pending and carried over to the 2024/2025 legal year, adding that within the period, a total of 19,925 cases were filed, which brought the total number of pending cases to 181,924.

    “From this number, a total of 16,019 were disposed of, leaving 165,905 pending cases,” he said.

    Justice Tsoho added that of the 16,019 cases disposed of, 3,113 were civil cases, 5,818 were criminal cases, 3,724 were motions, and 3,364 were fundamental human rights cases.

    The chief judge said a total of 44,650 civil cases, 44,078 criminal cases, 46,228 motions, and 30,949 fundamental rights enforcement applications remained pending at the end of the last legal year.

    He announced that the process of appointing 14 additional judges to the Bench of the court had reached an advanced stage following the approval and support of the CJN and the chairman of the NJC.

    The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over matters that define the country’s economic, regulatory and constitutional framework places it at the centre of national development and investor confidence.

    Osigwe urged judges of the court to remain vigilant against any actual or perceived political capture or manipulation.

    The NBA president added that any perception that judicial processes are shaped by partisanship undermines the foundation of the rule of law.

    He said the Judiciary must guard its independence with utmost vigilance as its authority rests not on force but on public confidence in its neutrality.

    Osigwe said the Federal High Court must insist that its jurisdiction cannot be manipulated as a substitute for political will, party leadership, party discipline or internal democracy adding that, “Not every quarrel within a political party is justiciable and not every grievance constitutes a legal dispute.

    “The court’s docket should not become a political theatre or a stagging ground for political leadership or factional dominance,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) urged judges to be bold, strong and of good courage in the discharge of their duties.

    He added: “The Law is what the judges say,” he said.

    Agabi noted that the dominance of one political party as it is now, which has virtually eliminated opposition, makes the work of the Judiciary more urgent and important.

    He urged judges to be bold, honest, and innovative in the adjudication of political matters as the hope of the nation is in the judiciary.

  • Judicial impunity: ‘NJC being strengthened to bite harder’ – Kekere-Ekun

    Judicial impunity: ‘NJC being strengthened to bite harder’ – Kekere-Ekun

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has said the Judiciary under her watch was working on efforts to ease out bag eggs among its rank and boost public confidence in the judicial system.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun said such efforts include an ongoing measure to strengthen and reprganise the National Judicial Council (NJC) to make it bite harder.

    The CJN said although segments of the public hold a critical perception of the Judiciary, it was not in doubt that some judges still exist in the system that are unwilling to play by the rules.

    She added: “On the persistent issue of corruption, we can no longer afford to regard our institution as beyond scrutiny.

    “We must admit, with candour, that there are some within our ranks who have undermined the integrity of the Bench.

    “This must change. The National Judicial Council is being strengthened and repositioned to execute its constitutional mandate with greater vigour, efficiency, and accountability.

    “We must be the example we seek to inspire. The robe we wear must never be a cloak for impropriety but a symbol of incorruptible honour.

    “With collective will, renewed commitment, and divine guidance, we shall succeed in restoring the dignity of our noble profession,” she said.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja on Monday during the opening session of a weeklong “2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts,” being held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), with the theme: “Building a Confident Judiciary.”

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    Justice Kekere-Ekun said for the Judiciary to address the widespread notion that its processes are slow, inefficient and sometimes, vulnerable to external influences, it most take practical steps to improve on its infrastructure, human capital, among others.

    “We must confront this perception head-on, not with rhetoric, but with deliberate and demonstrable action that restores confidence in our courts.

    “A Judiciary that commands respect must be unwavering in upholding independence, firm in strengthening ethical standards, and resolute in eliminating inefficiencies in court administration.

    “We must address the persistent issues of outdated infrastructure, intellectual complacency, and
    corruption challenges that have hindered our efficiency and undermined public trust.

    “To build a confident Judiciary, we must rise above these obstacles and ensure that justice is dispensed with integrity, impartiality, and transparency,” she said.

    The CJN stressed the need for financial autonomy for the Judiciary to guarantee its independence and bolster its capacity to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

    She added, “We must also acknowledge a difficult but undeniable truth: the Judiciary continues to operate within a democratic framework where financial dependence on the Executive persists.

    “Without genuine financial autonomy, judicial independence remains fragile. True independence is
    the bedrock of justice; where it is absent, the temple of justice trembles.

    “Independence is not a privilege; it is a moral and constitutional obligation that guarantees fairness and equality before the law,” she said.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the court’s role in stabilising the nation’s democracy, but noted that more need to be done to deepen democratic culture in the land.

    “It is no exaggeration to state that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy has often hinged on the steadfastness of the Judiciary.

    “Our pronouncements, at critical junctures in our history, have preserved constitutional order and upheld the democratic will of the people.

    “Yet, at this stage, we must go further. Beyond merely defending democracy, we must deepen it, by ensuring that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done in every courtroom, across every jurisdiction, and in every case.

    “The Nigerian public, our ultimate constituency, expect and deserve nothing less.

    “Their perception of our work is shaped, not only by the outcomes of cases, but also by the processes we adopt, the pace at which we deliver justice, and the comportment we display as judicial officers,” she said.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun frowned at the practice where people criticise the Judiciary in the media and make unsubstantiated allegations against judicial offers.

    She said, “In recent times, there has been an unsettling trend of rushing to the media to castigate judges over their decisions, or at times preempt the outcome of a case, often without a proper understanding of the law or the facts of the case.

    “This development, if left unchecked, poses a grave danger to the administration of justice.
    The courtroom, not the media space, remains the lawful forum for ventilating grievances.

    “Judicial officers do not speak outside their judgments; they are bound by restraint, guided by
    evidence, and led by conscience. When unsubstantiated allegations are peddled, they corrode public confidence and imperil the sanctity of the Bench.

    “I must emphasize that while judges welcome constructive criticism grounded in reason and respect, they must not be deterred from performing their sacred duties by uninformed commentary or orchestrated attacks.

    “A Judiciary that fears public opinion more than the dictates of the law ceases to be the guardian of justice.

    “We, therefore, reaffirm that our fidelity lies not in applause or approval, but in the solemn oath we have taken to uphold the Constitution and dispense justice without fear or
    favour,” she said.

    Dwelling on the importance of the biennial conference in the light of current realities in the judicial system, the CJN said the Judiciary must not merely adapt to change; it must lead it, defining justice for our times and for generations to come.

    She added: “As judicial officers, our duty is solemn and sacred. We must rise above
    technicalities that obstruct substantive justice, ensuring that our decisions reflect fairness and equity.

    “Let our courts be sanctuaries of truth, not labyrinths of technicality. Let our judgments speak not just to the letter of the law, but to its spirit; anchored in conscience, compassion, and courage.

    “The Nigerian Judiciary must be remembered not for rigid adherence to formality, but for its unwavering dedication to the substance of justice and the protection of the rule of law.

    “Together, with dedication and purpose, we will build a Judiciary that our citizens trust, respect, and depend upon. A Judiciary that stands not in fear of criticism but in the strength of its convictions.

    “A Judiciary that history will remember as the stabilizing pillar of our democracy and the guardian of our nation’s moral conscience,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.

    The Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo said the conference was part of his institute’s efforts to deepen ethical consciousness, enhance professionalism, integrated technology-driven learning and strengthen the adjudicatory competence of the nation’s courts.

    Justice Adejumo said the conference will offer participants the opportunity to interrogate critical issues that shape judicial performance and public trust.

    He added: “Over the next several days, we shall engage with questions of judicial independence and accountability; case management and court efficiency; technological innovations in justice delivery and the Judiciary’s constitutional role in sustaining democratic norms.”

  • CJN okays panel for judiciary sports association

    CJN okays panel for judiciary sports association

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the reconstitution of a Caretaker Committee for the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ), following internal leadership crises within the body.

    Appointed to head the new committee is Mohammed Suleiman, Head of Audit and Investigation at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    Other members include Ibrahim Isah Awak of the Federal High Court, Alkali Abraham Ahmed from the National Judicial Institute, and Aliyu Mamuda.

    Also on the committee are Abdulrafiu Masa representing the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Mathew Umaru from the Court of Appeal, Solomon Isah of the FCT High Court, and Garba Sudan from the Supreme Court.

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    The restructuring comes after a breakdown in leadership led to the CJN Cup being held simultaneously in Delta and Minna, highlighting the divisions within NASAJ’s National Executive Committee and congress.

    During the committee’s inauguration, Deputy Chief Registrar I of the Supreme Court, Mr. Reuben Jego, speaking on behalf of the Chief Registrar, urged members to swiftly resolve the disputes within the association and oversee the conduct of fresh elections for a new leadership.

    He also emphasised the need for the committee to realign NASAJ with its founding mission: promoting physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, and strengthening unity among judicial staff.

  • CJN warns against risk of data misuse in banking sector

    CJN warns against risk of data misuse in banking sector

    Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, yesterday identified the risk of personal data of consumers being misused, or compromised in the banking sector.

    In her keynote address at 2024  workshop for justices and judges on Legal Issues  in Telecommunication Sector  by Nigerian Communications Commission with  National Judicial Institute  in Lagos, she  noted that deployment of technology plays a role in advancement and enhancement of the economic system and drive globalisation.

    “However, considering the fact that this workshop seeks to highlight and proffer solutions to legal issues in telecommunications, I will quickly bring our attention to two issues which I consider pivotal and which revolve around cyber security and the challenges of exploring the digital space.

    “The first is the increased risk of the personal data of consumers being misused or compromised by unscrupulous persons, thus necessitating the need for improved strategies and innovation for consumer protection in the sector.

    ‘‘Also of note are deficiencies in the banking sector and which are attributable to reliance on digital services provided by the sector. There is the challenge posed by electronically backed transactions which is common in the banking sector…” she said.“

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    Concerns in this regard include the spate of customers whose online platforms have been hacked, as well as banks being compromised due to glitches not factored into their operations. Consequently, these and other challenges have resulted in disputes which require adjudication,” she said.

    Also speaking on the occasion, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of  NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 to designate what may be characterized as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), President Bola Tinubu, in July 2024, signed a Presidential Order that designates all telecommunications infrastructure as CNII.

    He said the workshop will serve as a platform for the NCC to share insights into the workings of the CNII Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive our nation forward.

    He said this pivotal advancement for the industry was achieved through the NCC’s proactive advocacy and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

    “With this Presidential Order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centers to fiber optic cables. This framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offenses.

    “Under this Order, individuals, organizations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order.

    “We anticipate that the courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to these Critical National Information Infrastructures. During this workshop, we aim to provide insights that will support judicial discretion in evaluating such requests.

    “ONSA which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalization of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation. It is likely that, in the near future, vandals, thieves, and others who breach this Order’s provisions will be brought before your courts.

    “We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity,” he said.

    He said ensuring and regulating Nigeria’s digital transformation is not a task that the NCC can fulfill alone. It involves strategic collaboration with key partners, and the judiciary remains one of our most important stakeholders in this regard.

    “A functional digital economy is built on investor and consumer confidence, which are impossible in the absence of the rule of law – a critical element that is supplied by the judiciary.

    “As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the judiciary stands as a vital pillar in shaping a present and a future where technology serves humanity. The judiciary is not simply a bystander observing the digital revolution; instead, it is an active participant, playing a continuous role in shaping the legal frameworks that govern this new technological era.

    “The judiciary’s ability to adapt and evolve alongside technological advancements is paramount to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all, while mitigating potential risks.

    “As the digital age advances, judicial officers must constantly adapt to ensure that the rule of law is as effective and enforceable in the online realm as it is in the world of brick and mortar.

    One key challenge lies in adapting existing legal principles to the complexities of emerging and evolving technologies.

    “Nigerians are eager to see a new chapter of digital justice, where the roles played by the judiciary are effectively translated and adapted into online contexts, as follows:

    “Protecting fundamental rights: The responsibility of the judiciary to act as a guardian of individual rights in the digital sphere, safeguarding privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information, while also ensuring a balance between these rights and the need for security and order.

    “Enforcing digital contracts and resolving disputes: The responsibility of the judiciary to provide a mechanism for enforcing online agreements and resolving disputes arising from e-commerce, intellectual property, and other digital transactions, fostering trust and predictability in the digital economy.

    “Developing digital jurisprudence: The responsibility of the judiciary to continually interpret and apply existing laws to new digital contexts, creating a body of digital jurisprudence that provides clarity and guidance for individuals, businesses, and governments operating in the digital space.

    “Promoting innovation: the responsibility of the judiciary to foster innovation by providing a stable legal framework that encourages investment and development in emerging technologies.” Dr Maida said.

  • No room for indolence, Chief Justice of Nigeria warns judges

    No room for indolence, Chief Justice of Nigeria warns judges

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun yesterday said there will be no room for indolent judges who fail to live up to expectation on the Bench.

    She said jurists who are unable to deliver the required number of judgments in a quarter would incur the wrath of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    Any judge who fails to improve would be shown the way out, Justice Kekere-Ekun warned.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja at the third annual NJC Conference on Judges’ Performance Evaluation with the theme: Judge Craft, Performance and the Way Forward.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun recalled that at the committee’s last meeting, there was a reduction in case disposal because some judges failed to deliver a single judgment in one quarter.

    She said that display of indolence was unacceptable.

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    Justice Kekere-Ekun said: “Unless we can justly, speedily and effectively execute our roles as judicial officers, the populace will lose confidence in the judiciary as it is mostly believed, rightly or wrongly, that the judicial process is often painstakingly slow and tedious, and delayed justice is denied justice.”

    The CJN advised judges to embrace the culture of excellence and accountability, adding that they should be in charge of their courtroom, maximizing the use of case management system and fostering an environment where constructive feedback is valued and acted upon.

    She said performance metrics should not merely be about speed, but also about the quality and impact of the decisions of the judges.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun frowned at the increasing number of pending cases and low disposition rates, noting that “as of the 1st quarter of 2024, we had a total of 243,253 cases pending in our superior courts of record, exclusive of the Supreme Court. This total is comprised of 199,747 civil cases and 43,506 criminal cases.”

    She said: “It is imperative for all of us to take a serious note of this alarming situation and refocus our attention towards enhancing our judicial performance.”

    The CJN urged judges to embrace information technology and case management innovations to enhance judicial performance.

    She said  the introduction of digital case management systems, the Judicial Performance Evaluation Software (JPES), virtual courtrooms, e-filing systems, digital databases, web seminars, online meetings and advanced research engines provide a myriad of tools for efficiency in case disposition.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun said the increase in the salaries and allowances of judges by President Bola Tinubu was a remarkable achievement, stressing that the improvement in the welfare of judicial officers is a step in the right direction to promote the independence of the judiciary.

    She also said the improved welfare would also have impact on the professionalism, quality and pace of justice in the country.

    The CJN urged members of the legal profession to continually strive for mastery and excellence of the craft to enhance the effectiveness and integrity of the judicial system.

    She urged judges to carry out their duties with integrity and deep sense of responsibility to restore public trust in the judiciary.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun said looking inward and identifying areas of improvement in the performance of judicial duties would lead to the realisation of the effective justice system that upholds the four cardinal principles of “Independence, Transparency, Accountability and Efficiency.”

    The CJN said the NJC performance evaluation committee, which is saddled with the responsibility of evaluating the performances of judicial Officers by assessing the quarterly returns of cases of Judges in the superior courts of records, has recorded success.

    She said the theme of the conference encapsulated the core of the professional endeavors of Judges, their aspirations and desire for excellent services delivery in Justice dispensation and administration.

    The Chairman of the six-member committee, Retired Supreme Court Sidi Bage Muhammad lamented the consistently low performance of some judicial officers, despite the continuous guidance given by his committee.

    Justice Muhammad said the development informed the decision of the NJC, at its 106th meeting, to insist that henceforth, any judge with persistently poor performance should be recommended by the committee for removal from office.

    He clarified that the purpose of the Committee is not to witch-hunt, intimidate, oppress or create fear in the minds of Judges in the course of performing their constitutional and statutory judicial duties, but  to support judicial officers as they expeditiously discharge their adjudicatory responsibilities competently, diligently and in accordance with their Oaths of Office.

    He added: “However, the Committee does not and will not tolerate repeated acts of non-performance due to indolence, non-chalance or impunity as may be inferred from some of the returns submitted by our judicial officers and even the submission of false returns by a few. These practices must stop.

    “In furtherance of its mandate, the committee continues to hold cause meetings which provide heads of courts and individual Judges the opportunity to engage with the Committee and jointly work towards developing lasting solutions aimed at enhancing performance.”

    Justice Muhammad said the committee has also established a commendation and query register, developed guidelines on performance evaluation.

    He said it woud continue to implement the Judges’ performance evaluation software, which ensures the online submission of quarterly returns. 

    Justice Muhammad said the committee would establish a new system for the evaluation of judicial officers which will focus on both qualitative and quantitative indicators.

    He said the Performance Evaluation Committee was established by the NJC, pursuant to its powers as provided in Item 21, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended)

    Justice Muhammad said the decision to establish the Performance Evaluation Committee as a Standing Committee of the Council followed the report submitted by the Justice Kayode Eso Committee, which suggested that urgent action was required to improve the performance and ethical conduct of judicial officers nationwide.

    Other members of the committee which  has the mandate of evaluating, assessing, monitoring and supervising the performance and general conduct of judicial officers in the discharge of their judicial functions and the administration of justice are Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour (Vice-Chairman),  Justice A. D. Yahaya, Justice B. B. Kanyip, Justice K. Zannah and Hajiya Fatima Nana Mede.