Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun ascended to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s judicial hierarchy on August 23, 2024, when she was sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Her elevation, later confirmed on September 30, 2024, marked the formal succession to Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who had gracefully bowed out of office on August 22, 2024. It was a transition steeped in tradition, yet rich in symbolism. Assistant Editor ERIC IKHILAE reflects on the trajectory of her stewardship thus far.
The National Judicial Council (NJC), in its 106th plenary session held from August 14 to 15, 2024, resolved to uphold the time-honoured convention of judicial seniority.
With deliberate unanimity, its members nominated Justice Kekere-Ekun — then the most senior jurist on the Supreme Court bench — to succeed the retiring Justice Ariwoola.
In a final act of duty before his retirement, Justice Ariwoola presided over the historic session that sealed her nomination.
The Council’s recommendation was swiftly conveyed to President Bola Tinubu, who endorsed it without hesitation.
On that defining day in August, Justice Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office, becoming only the second woman in the nation’s history to wear the mantle of CJN — a trail once blazed by Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar between 2012 and 2014.
Justice Kekere-Ekun promised to improve the reputation of the Judiciary and enhance public confidence in the justice delivery process.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said: ”We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.
”I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better Judiciary; a better Judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation.
”Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment. I know it is a source of a lot of concern; the issue of discipline on the Bench and at the Bar as well.
”All of these things are aspects that we will look into, and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of,” she said.
About a month later, President Tinubu wrote the Senate, pursuant to the provision of Section 231(1) of the Constitution, to confirm her appointment as the substantive CJN.
She appeared before the Senate for screening on September 25, 2024, during which Justice Kekere-Ekun dwelt on the challenges plaguing the Judiciary and pledged to address them upon her confirmation.
She promised not to tolerate corruption in any form, including the grant of frivolous ex-parte orders, interim injunctions and related decisions by judicial officers.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said: “Some of the things that I am known for are integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. The Judiciary, under my leadership, as the CJN, will be one that is not associated with corruption and other things like frivolous ex parte orders by judges or interim injunctions.
“Decisive actions would be taken against any officer found indulging in such practices. Powers on ex-parte orders and interim injunctions are, no doubt, being abused by some judges. Such abuses would not be tolerated under my headship of the Judiciary.”
In addressing the issue of congestion in the judicial process, Justice Kekere-Ekun suggested the need for the federal Legislature to ensure necessary legislative enactment to address the problem.
To reduce the volume of cases at the Supreme Court, she advised that the Electoral Act be further amended to ensure that all pre-election cases terminate at the Court of Appeal.
She argued that the enhanced adoption of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms will assist in ensuring prompt disposal of cases and address congestion.
As it relates to incidents of conflicting decisions, she said: “The digitalisation of all the courts would help to track cases already treated by the various courts and prevent conflicting judgments.”
She also promised to address the growing practice where lawyers make conclusive comments on cases pending in court and assured that “decisive actions would, no doubt, be taken against those found of making declarative or authoritative comments on cases pending in the courts of law.”
By August 23, Justice Kekere-Ekun will be a year old on the seat of the CJN, and so far, the preponderance of opinions is that she has conducted the affairs of the nation’s Judiciary in a manner that inspires hope for a better court system that emphasises justice, accountability and transparency.
Discipline on the bench
In fidelity to her promise to ensure discipline in the system, the NJC, under the leadership of Justice Kekere-Ekun, has continued to take steps, with increased pace, to attend to complaints against judges, leading to the sanctioning of many judicial officers.
Some of such instances include the decisions taken by the NJC at its 107th meeting held between November 13 and 14, 2024.
At the meeting, the NJC resolved to sanction the then Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka-Chikeka and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, upon establishing that they falsified their ages.
The NJC recommended Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka to the Governor of Imo State for compulsory retirement, with effect from October 27, 2021.
She was also required to refund to the NJC all salaries and allowances she received from 27 October 2021 till her last date in office.
The NJC said the recommendation was pursuant to its findings that Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka has two different dates of birth – October 27, 1956 and October 27, 1958.
It added: “However, 27 October 1956, appeared to be the consistent date of birth, but in 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing the date of birth to 27 October 1958.”
As it relates to Kadi Mahdi, the NJC said it found that he has three different dates of birth – 10 December, 28 January and July – all in 1959, while his actual date of birth was 1952.
The NJC proceeded to conclude that “Grand Kadi Mahdi committed an act of misconduct in violation of Rule 02908 (i) and (ii) of the Public Service Rules, 2021 and ought to have retired from service 12 years ago.”
It then resolved “to recommend Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi for compulsory retirement to the Governor of Yobe State and that he should refund all salaries and allowances received for the past 12 years.”
Equally, at its 108th meeting, held between April 29 and 30, 2025 the NJC resolved to suspend three judges for one year each and without pay, for misconduct.
The judges are Justice Inyang (Court of Appeal, Uyo division); Justices Inyang Ekwo (Federal High Court, Abuja division) and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu (Federal High Court, Zamfara division).
The NJC found that Justice Inyang abused her office “by issuing inappropriate ex-parte orders for the sale of Hon. Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at the interlocutory stage of the case.”
It added that “the act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, at the Federal
High Court, Uyo judicial division, before his elevation to Court of Appeal.”
Besides suspending Justice Ekwo, the NJC proceeded to place him on its watch-list for five years and barred him from elevation for five years.
The NJC disclosed that the complaints against Justice Ekwo arose from a criminal case marked. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, in which he “delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties.”
It claimed to have found that the judge “ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the court conducted in the absence of the parties.
“Subsequently, His Lordship proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the defendants.
“Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the NJC added.
The NJC said it found Justice Aliyu to have acted in breach of Rule 3 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
It placed him on its watch-list for three years, during which period he is barred from elevation.
The NJC said it found Justice Aliyu liable for the act of judicial misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021 between the Government of Zamfara State and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was said to have granted an order restraining security agencies from carrying out their statutory duties, and disregarded the doctrine of stare decisis in his adjudication of the case.
Also, the NJC, at its 109th meeting held on 25 June 2025 recommended the compulsory retirement of 10 judges of the Imo State Judiciary. Nine were found to have falsified their ages, while one was sanctioned on grounds of breach of the Constitution.
The NJC recommended Justice T. N. Nzeukwu for compulsory retirement on the grounds that he made himself available to be sworn in as the acting Chief Judge of Imo State High Court, knowing full well that he was number four in the hierarchy of judges of the Imo State Judiciary, contrary to the provision of Section 271 (4) of the Constitution.
On grounds of age falsification, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of Justices M. E. Nwagboso (High Court); Justice B. C. Iheka (High Court); Justice K. A. Leaweanya (High Court); Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi (High Court), and Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi (High Court).
Others are Justice Tennyson Nze (Customary Court of Appeal); Justice Ofoha Uchenna (Customary Court of Appeal); Justice Everyman Eleanya (Customary Court of Appeal); and Justice Rosemond Ibe (Customary Court of Appeal).
Also at the June 25 meeting, the NJC barred Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court (NIC) from being considered for promotion to a higher court for three years due to misconduct.
The NJC found that Justice Essien wrongly ordered the confiscation of over N1billion belonging to the Nasarawa State Government and its Local Government Councils, despite being aware that there was a pending appeal and a pending application for stay of execution.
It also found that the judge refused to step aside from the case after the Nasarawa State Government raised concerns about possible bias.
According to the NJC, Justice Essien was a former staff member of the State University, which owed him gratuity, and he had earlier demanded payment using the official letterhead of the court, an act the NJC considered a clear breach of the Code of Conduct for judicial officers.
The NJC criticised him for personally visiting the Court of Appeal registry to confirm if an appeal had been filed in the case, which it considered “an action highly inappropriate for a judge.”
Sustenance of judicial independence
As part of efforts directed at sustaining the independence of the Judiciary, the NJC has, for some months now, stood its ground in the face of attempts by some governors to violate existing processes for the sanctioning, appointment and elevation of judges.
On February 19, 2025, the NJC spoke against the resolution by the Benue State House of Assembly, purporting to suspend the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office.
The NJC stated that the decision by the Benue Legislature was an affront to the extant provision of the Constitution. It argued that the powers to investigate and discipline any judicial officer in the country, for any misconduct, rest solely with it.
It followed this position up when, at its June 25 meeting, the NJC dismissed the three petitions written against Justice Ikpambese on the grounds that they were without merit.
The first petition was authored by Benue State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim; the second by a lawyer, Guana Benjamin Joseph and the third by one Terhemen Ngbea.
The NJC expressed concern about Mnyim’s role in the scheme to remove Justice Ikpambese and resolved to report him to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for necessary action.
A similar intervention by the NJC frustrated the plan by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to impose as Chief Judge on the state’s Judiciary.
The NJC rose from its 108th meeting held in Abuja between April 29 and 30, 2025 with a directive that Uzodinma reverse his appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who was number four in the hierarchy of judges’ seniority in Imo State High Court, as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.
The council proceeded to direct Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judge in the state’s High Court hierarchy as the acting CJ in conformity with the provision of Section 271 (4) of the Constitution.
Also, at its June 25 meeting, the NJC reiterated its earlier direction to Governor Uzodinma to swear in the most senior judge of the state as the acting Chief Judge.
Campaign for deployment of technology
Since assuming office, Justice Kekere-Ekun has continued to champion the enhanced deployment of technologies for the operations of the courts.
She further emphasised this in a recent paper titled: “Justice in the digital age: Leveraging technology for an efficient and accessible Judiciary in Nigeria.”
Reflecting on her personal experience in the application of technologies to judicial functions, Justice Kekere-Ekun argued, among others, that it is imperative, more than ever before, that the Judiciary embraces technology.
She said: “For the Judiciary to remain relevant, respected, and responsive, it must evolve. It must shed layers of inefficiency that distance it from the people, and embrace innovations that bring justice closer to the doorstep of every Nigerian.
“It must, in essence, become more than an arbiter—it must become a bridge: between law and society, between tradition and innovation, between the letter of the law and the spirit of justice.
“Technology offers us the tool to effectively be that bridge. Digital technologies, when thoughtfully deployed, can streamline procedures, improve transparency, shorten timelines and remove the geographical and economic barriers that distance Nigerians from the justice system.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun added: “As we deploy technology, we must continue to listen to litigants, to lawyers, to scholars, and to everyday Nigerians.
“Technology must never become a barrier to justice. Rather, it must be a bridge—connecting the courts to the people in ways that are humane, dignified, and effective.
“As custodians of justice, we must accept that the expectations of Nigerians are rising and rightly so. They demand justice that is not only fair but timely. A system that is not only lawful but humane,” she said.
The CJN spoke about her vision for the Judiciary and the type of judicial system she hopes to deliver when her tenure expires.
She said: “The judiciary we envision is one where justice is no longer confined to the four walls of a courtroom; where litigants can file a suit, monitor progress, attend hearings, and receive decisions without geographical or logistical hindrance.
“It is a Judiciary where case allocation is smart and transparent; where records are digital and searchable; and where every judge is empowered with tools to do justice efficiently and fairly.
“My vision is for a judiciary that upholds its sacred mandate with dignity, but also evolves with the demands of a rapidly changing society.
“A judiciary that is not left behind by the digital wave sweeping across sectors, but one that leads by example in using technology to serve the people better,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.
This position of the CJN could be responsible for the increased pace at which digitisation is currently taking place in federal courts.
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) was recently directed to broaden its curriculum to address emerging areas such as cybercrime and artificial intelligence.
The NJC has, in recent times, intensified its oversight and advocacy activities to upgrade the courts’ infrastructure across the country.
Equally, there are ongoing efforts to improve courtroom infrastructure to ensure that judicial environments are not only functional but also conducive to modern adjudication, with the integration of information and communication technology tools to enhance case management, promote efficiency and facilitate virtual hearings where appropriate.
Call for judges’ protection squad
Given the increasing cases of attack on judges, the CJN, during a recent meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), called for the establishment of a special squad dedicated to the protection of judicial officers.
She noted that it was impracticable for judges to operate freely and dispense justice without fear or favour when their security was not guaranteed.
Efforts at addressing staff welfare
As it relates to the welfare of the court’s support staff, the CJN recently intervened in the ongoing agitation by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) for improved pay.
Her intervention resulted in the suspension of the strike embarked upon by JUSUN on June 2, 2025, which was called off the next day.
The striking court’s staff attributed their decision to call off the strike to the intervention of the CJN.
Promoting transparency in judges’ appointment
To further boost public confidence in the judiciary, the leadership of the Judiciary has evolved measures to involve members of the public in the judges’ recruitment process.
The NJC resolved at its 108th meeting held between April 29 and 30 that “henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to superior courts of records will be published for information and comments by the public.”
While explaining the rationale behind the decision, the NJC said the primary objective of the initiative was to solicit comments from the public where there is objection to the integrity, reputation and/or competence of the candidates by opening the process to public participation and scrutiny.
Lawyers hail initiative
The popularity of the decision was immediately evident in the reactions it attracted from within and without the nation’s judicial community.
One of such reactions was from the President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), who described the initiative as a “quiet revolution” in the nation’s Judiciary.
He said the decision by the NJC to publish the names of candidates being considered for appointment to superior courts of record is not only revolutionary, but praiseworthy.
Akinseye-George added: “This groundbreaking decision opens up the appointment process to public scrutiny and invites civic participation, thereby enhancing transparency and reinforcing the legitimacy of judicial appointments.
“This approach to judicial appointments will significantly improve the quality of judicial appointments,” he said.
Another senior lawyer, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, expressed strong commendation for the CJN over the initiative.
Describing the decision as “remarkable” and “progressive,” Ajulo said: “This significant step demonstrates a bold commitment to public engagement.”
He added that “by encouraging comments on the integrity, reputation, and competence of judicial nominees, the NJC is establishing a system that prioritises accountability and fosters community involvement, while ensuring a selection process that is both rigorous and reflective of the highest values of our legal system.”
Ajulo noted that such measures will undoubtedly strengthen public trust in the judiciary and ensure the elevation of only individuals with proven integrity to the bench.
He added: “This initiative signals refreshing leadership and a renewed commitment to excellence within our judiciary.
Ajulo urged Nigerians to actively participate in the process and assured them of his support for the CJN’s efforts.
He cautioned members of the public “to use this opportunity responsibly to contribute to a fair, credible, and trusted judicial system.”
Areas still needing attention
However, the picture is not all that rosy yet, as critics observed that there are still areas that require attention.
Critics noted that the improvement being experienced in the way erring judges are promptly disciplined has not been extended to court support staff.
They noted that this fact is evident in the recent admonitions by the CJN and the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, to support staff to abstain from conduct inimical to the integrity of the judicial system.
The CJN, while addressing of the 2025 hybrid national workshop for legal research assistants, organised recently by the NJI), noted that the involvement of court’s support staff in conduct like the leakage of judgments, soliciting bribes or acting as intermediaries for corrupt litigants do not only erode the very foundation of justice, but also weaken public confidence in the system of justice delivery.
Also, while speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2025 hybrid national workshop on court process management for the court’s support staff, Justice Adejumo urged participants to avoid conduct that could earn them imprisonment.
Justice Adejumo, who wondered why a court official would elect to trade the integrity of the judicial system for material gains, said it was more rewarding for judicial staff to remain faithful to the system.
Critics have suggested that measures should be in place to ensure enhanced monitoring and training for staff on the need to avoid such bad conduct and for those found wanting to be swiftly sanctioned.
They also called for the need for the leadership of the Judiciary to impress it on the management of courts to ensure efficient websites for their court to enhance transparency and access to court operations.
A case is the inability of litigants and other court users to easily access courts’ schedules, including cause lists on the websites of most courts, including the Supreme Court.
They noted that this was possible at the Supreme Court when Justice Walter Onnoghen was the CJN, arguing that such a possibility would prevent instances where litigants and their lawyers would commit funds and time to attend court only to be told that either the court would sit or that their cases had been rescheduled.
Critics also called for enhanced and swift deployment of infrastructure, including technologies, for improved court operations to address the persistent challenges of congestion and delays.
