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Tag: National Judicial Council (NJC

  • Updated: NJC sacks suspended Abia Chief Judge Uzokwe, one other

    *Set up committees to Supreme Court Justice, 2 state Chief Judges

    *Issues warning to Justice Aladetoyinbo, Williams

    *Dismisses petitions against 31 judges

    *Appoints 60 judges for 24 states

     

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State the compulsory retirement of the state’s suspended Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Uzokwe and Justice Obisike Oji, who was picked in her place.

    This formed part of the decisions taken at the NJC’s 85th meeting held on March 14.

    The NJC had earlier suspended Justice Uzokwe, and issued a query to Justice Oji (of of Abia State High Court) for allowing himself to be sworn-in as Acting Chief Judge when the Abia State House of Assembly purportedly sacked Justice Uzokwe.

    According to the NJC, Justices Uzokwe and Oji were found guilty of misconduct.

    NJC’s Director, Information, Soji Oye, said in a statement that the council also set up committees to Supreme Court Justice, 2 state Chief Judges.

    The statement was silent on the identity of the judicial officers involved.

    The NJC issued warning to Justice S. E. Aladetoyinbo (of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams of the Lagos State High Court.

    It referred a petition against Justice Mwada Balami of the FCT High Court to the Police to investigate the allegation of N5, 000,000 (Five Million Naira) bribe to the Judge for granting bail to an accused person.

    The NJC dismissed petitions against 31 judges for being without substance and approved the appointment of 60 judges for 24 states.

    In relation to Justice Uzokwe, the NJC said she was recommended for compulsory retirement following the findings of two investigative committees set up to examine the petitions against her by Abia State’s  Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice,  Umeh Kalu (SAN).

    NJC said Kalu, in the petitions, accused Uzokwe of  illegal constitution and working with a parallel Judicial Service Commission (JSC) instead of the one constituted by the State Governor and confirmed by the House of Assembly.

    It added: “Hon. Mr Justice Uzokwe was also found to have misconducted himself in Suit No. HU/131/2005, wherein he delivered judgement in the sum of N825, 000 (eight hundred and twenty-five thousand naira) only in favour of a litigant, but subsequently signed a garnishee order of N109, 612, 500 (one hundred and nine million, six hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred naira) only.”

    As it relates to Justice Oji, the NJC noted that it had earlier queried him “for allowing himself to be sworn-in as acting Chief Judge, and thereby colluding in, and aiding an unconstitutional process.

    “His (Justice Oji’s) reply was unsatisfactory and the Council recommended his compulsory retirement.

    “The NJC reprimanded, seriously warned and placed on the Watch List Hon Justice S. E. Aladetoyinbo of the FCT High Court for impropriety in a case between U.L.O. Consultants Ltd v BIL Construction Nigeria Ltd, sequel to a petition by one Uche Luke Okpuno.

    “Council would have sanctioned the judge more severely, but had to take into account the fact that aspects of the case are appealable.

    “Council also seriously warned Hon Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams of the Lagos State High Court for grave errors of judgment in her level of involvement in a family business. “Council found that the judge, as a judicial officer, should have been more circumspect and conscious of her office.

    “Council’s sanction was as a result of a petition by Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN.

    “Council at the meeting also considered various petitions written against thirty-one (31) judicial officers and resolved to empanel three investigative committees against one Justice of Supreme Court and two state Chief Judges.

    “Petitions against various Justices were dismissed either for lack of merit, lack of evidence of misconduct, being sub judice or that the subject of such petitions were matters for appeal.”

    The dismissed petitions were those written against Justices Abdu Aboki, Theresa Abadua and Ahmed Belgore (all of the Court of Appeal); Justices J. T. Tsoho, Ayo Emmanuel, Sabiu Yahusa, Zainab B. Abubakar and B. O. Quadri (of the Federal High Court).

    Others are Justices A. N. Ubaka and B. B. Kanyip (of the National Industrial Court); Justices Bello Kawu, S. C. Orji, A. N. Talba (of the FCT High Court); Justice K. C. Nwankpa (High Court Abia State); Justice D. A. Onyefulu (High Court Anambra State); Justice W. I. A. Effiong (High Court Akwa-Ibom State), and Justice A. M. Ikpambese (High Court Benue State).

    Equally affected are Justice G. E. Gbemre (High Court Delta State); Justice A. O. Onovo (High Court Enugu State); Justice Idi Apollos (High Court Gombe State); Justice G. O. Ogunsanya (High Court Ogun State); Justice A. B. Abdulkarim, (High Court Osun State); Justice K. A. Ojiako (High Court Imo State); Justices A. M. Lawal;  L. A. Okunnu and L. B. Lawal Akapo (all of High Court  Lagos State).

    The statement also said the NJC “decided to advise Hon. Mr. Justice J. E. Ikede of Delta State High Court and Hon. Mr. Justice Yusuf Halilu of FCT High Court to be more careful in the course of their judicial duties.

    “Council decided to refer a petition by Prince Adesina Okuneye against Hon. Mr. Justice Mwada Balami of the FCT High Court to the Police to investigate the allegation of N5, 000,000 (five million naira) bribe to the judge for granting bail to an accused person.

    “Council decided that the petition should be put in abeyance until the outcome of the investigation by the Police.

    “Council at the meeting also recommended 60 judicial officers to Governors of twenty-four (24) for appointment as High Court Judges, Sharia Court Kadis and Customary Court of Appeal Judges.”

  • Only fit, proper judges will preside over courts – Buhari 

    Only fit, proper judges will preside over courts – Buhari 

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced the process of ensuring that persons, Judges and Justices recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment into various Courts of Record in the instant are fit and proper, and are not under any disability to function as Judicial Officers.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the President’s position is in furtherance of the executive powers vested in him under Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows him as the appointing authority to exercise same reasonably, taking all relevant factors into consideration.

    “Nigerians are assured that President Buhari will issue his approval or otherwise as soon as the process of the background verification is completed,” it stated.

  • Maku urges restoration of Customary Court of Appeal

    Maku urges restoration of Customary Court of Appeal

    Former Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has called on the Nasarawa State Government to restore the Customary Court of Appeal in the state.

    Maku, a 2015 gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA ) in Nasarawa state, made the appeal on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen in his ancestral home, Wakama, Akun Development Area of the state.

    According to him, re-establishing the abolished court would fast track resolution of traditional issues.

    It would be recalled that the state government scrapped the Customary Court of Appeal during the retirement and valedictory court session in honour of Justice Jibril Idrisu, the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, on October 23.

    The state government said the decision to scrap the court was based on the advice of the National Judicial Council ( NJC ), citing continued less number of cases recorded in the court over the years in the state.

    Read also: Maku, others say peace, tolerance are panacea to Nigeria’s development

    But Maku asked: “Why will Nasarawa State Government abolish Customary Court of Appeal when the state is made of up of different ethnic cultures and religions?

    “We have Rindre, Afo, Alago, Migili, Agatu, among other tribes, in the state.

    “In Nasarawa state, the law provides for three courts; Sharia Court is for Muslims, Christians would go to the common law court and traditionalists will go to Customary Court of Appeal to solve their disputes.

    “For peace and unity in Nasarawa state, we want the court back, we want the state government to reinstate the Customary Court of Appeal and if the government refuse to return it, when APGA comes to power in 2019, it shall come back.”

    Maku, the National Secretary of APGA, also lamented the continued payment of local government workers in percentages despite the release of bailouts to the state by the Federal Government.

    On the 2019 general election, he urged Nigerians to vote leaders of proven integrity for good governance in order to end hardship, poverty and hunger in the country.

    He urged people of the state to shun politics of religion, ethnicity as well as to avoid divide and rule principle in their bid to elect credible leaders that would transform the state.

    The ex-information minister urged Nigerians to use the period of Christmas to offer special prayers for the peace of the country, adding that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without peace.

    He also urged Nigerians, especially youths, to be peaceful, law abiding, respect constituted authorities and hard working for a greater Nigeria.

    NAN

  • Looters’ trial: NJC replaces Salami with ex-Supreme Court Justice

    Looters’ trial: NJC replaces Salami with ex-Supreme Court Justice

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has appointed a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mr. Suleiman Galadima as a replacement for Justice Isa Ayo Salami as Chairman of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO).

    Salami recently turned down his appointment, citing some personal reasons.

    NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, who announced Justice Galadima’s appointment in a statement issued yesterday.

    Oye said the committee (COTRIMCO) will be inaugurated today (November 1st, 2017) by NJI’s Chairman and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen at the Council’s Conference Hall by 2pm.

    Justice Galadima retired on October 10, 2016 from the Supreme Court bench at the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

    He was born October 1946 in Nasarawa State. He attended Government College Keffi where he obtained the West Africa School Certificate in 1965 before he proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law in 1977 and was called to the Bar after he graduated from the Nigerian Law School in 1978.

    He later earned a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Jos in 1985.

    He joined the Anambra State Judiciary as Magistrate on July 1988 and in 1990, he was appointed as Attorney General and the Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State.

    On May 1991, he became a High Court judge in Plateau State. At the creation of Nasarawa State in 1996, he was appointed as its pioneer Chief Judge of the State.

    On December 9, 1998, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal and on August 2010, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    Justice Galadima is famous for his leading judgement in Shina Oketaolegun Vs. State, SC. 334A/2012, wherein he held that the Court of Appeal correctly reviewed the evidence led by both the prosecution and the defence in which he agreed that the evidence of one credible witness can justify conviction.

     

  • Former attorney-general urges Bayelsa Government to appoint new judges

    Former attorney-general urges Bayelsa Government to appoint new judges

    Mr Francis Egele ( SAN ), a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa, has urged Bayelsa Government  to appoint  new judges in order to quicken  dispensation of justice in the state.

    Egele made the call on Monday in Yenagoa at a ceremony to mark the official commencement of the state’s  2017/2018 legal year.

    He noted that the last time a judge was appointed in the state was 12 years ago, adding that some other states had within the period “appointed over eight to 10 judges.”

    Egele said the executive arm of government could not be absolved of blame for the state’s inability to appoint judges because it has not been able to comply with the stipulated requirements.

    According to him, states’ requesting to appoint judges are required by the National Judicial Council ( NJC ) to among other things, provide befitting cars, accommodation and library for any judge that is to be appointed.

    He also attributed the prevailing situation to lack of financial independence of the judiciary as contained in the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Egele, who advocated for the capacity building of judges and members of the bar in the state, said that the NJC has again offered Bayelsa two chances for the appointment of judges and it would lapse in December this year or January 2018.

    He appealed to the Seriake Dickson-led administration not to allow the state miss the opportunity on account of lack of funds and facilities, as the appointmen would reduce the work load on judges and ensure speedy trials.

    “I crave the indulgence of His Excellency the Governor to ensure that, for the first time, this administration joins the league of administrations that have made it possible for the appointment of judges.

    “I am privy to the fact that since 2012, the governor has proposed the building of judges’ and magistrates’ quarters.

    “I do hope and urge that before our colleague leaves office, this laudable project should be achieved.

    “It is suggested as acknowledged by the Chief Justice of the Federation on Sept. 18, 2017 that such buildings could be owned on the retirement of such judicial officers or it be monetised for them at reasonable and affordable prices,” Egele said.

    NAN

  • CJN, NJC yet to receive Justice Salami’s letter declining appointment

    CJN, NJC yet to receive Justice Salami’s letter declining appointment

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen and the National Judicial Council (NJC) are yet to be formally informed of Justice Ayo Salami’s rejection of his appointment as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Cases Trial Monitoring Committee recently set up by the NJC.

    Spokesman to the CJN, Awassam Bassey and a senior official of the NJC told The Nation Thursday that a formal letter from Justice Salami on the issue has not been received.

    They said the information about Justice Salami’s purported rejection of his appointment still remain in the realm of rumour.

    Bassey, in a text message, said: “I refer to the issue you raised this morning and I can confirm that it is true; I mean the resignation of Hon. Mr. Justice Ayo Salami (Retired).

    “Besides what we see in the media, we cannot exactly say what Justice Salami’s reasons are for declining to undertake this all-important national assignment that he was called upon to perform.

    “His Lordship the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria awaits Hon Salami’s letter of resignation. That is all I can say at this moment.

    “A more detailed response will be communicated to you when we receive Hon. Mr. Justice Salami’s letter,” Bassey said.

    The Nation learnt yesterday that the NJC would take a position on the issue today, following which a formal statement could be issued for public consumption.

  • Nasarawa scraps customary court of appeal

    Nasarawa scraps customary court of appeal

    The Nasarawa State Government on Monday announced the merging of the state’s Customary of Appeal with the High Court.

    Gov. Umaru Al-Makura announced the merger during the retirement and valedictory court session in honour of Justice Jibril Idrisu, the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal.

    Al-Makura, who was represented by his Deputy, Silas Agara, said the decision was based on the advice of the National Judicial Council ( NJC ).

    “Government has observed that over the years, the Customary Court of Appeal has continued to record less number of cases.

    “And this recurrent experience at the court is below the average numbers of cases to be disposed in any judicial year and is equally below the national standard,” he added.

    Al-Makura said that “in view of this ugly experience,’’ NJC had written to the state government in 2016 on the need to merge the court with the state high court.

    He added that based on the advice by NJC, “the government had to take this painful decision of merging Customary Court of Appeal with the state’s High Court.’’

    He said the government has set up a committee chaired by the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, Yusuf Shehu, to work out the modalities for the merger and summit its report in two weeks.

    “The committee would work out plans to transfer the remaining Judge of the Customary Court and other staff of the court to High Court and place them in the appropriate positions,” he added.

    He said that the government would initiate a process of repealing the law establishing the court and amend the High Court law to accommodate the development.

    Earlier, the retired judge appealed to the state government to allow the court to continue to operate due to customary issues in the state.

    Idrisu, who noted that each state had its challenges, said that other states still have their customary court operating.

    NAN

  • NJC appoints Justice Salami as head of committee on corruption cases

    NJC appoints Justice Salami as head of committee on corruption cases

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced the appointment of retired Court of Appeal President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami as the head of a 15-member committee to monitor courts’ handling of corruption cases.

    The committee named: The Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) is also expected to drive the NJC’s” new policy on anti-corruption war.”

    NJC’s Director, Information, Soji Oye, in a statement yesterday, said the decision on the committee’s composition was taken yesterday at the NJC’s 82th meeting held in Abuja yesterday.

    He said the NJC has directed all heads of courts to cooperate with the committee and funish it with information about all corruption cases pending before them.

    Oye added that the NJC has also asked the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to set aside a date every week for the hearing of appeals relating to corruption cases.

    He said the committee’s primary functions include:

    *Regular monitoring and evaluation of proceedings at designated courts for financial and economic crimes nationwide;

    *Advising the Chief Justice of Nigeria on how to eliminate delay in the trial of alleged corruption cases;

    *Giving feedback to the Council on progress of cases in the designated courts, conduct background checks on judges selected for the designated courts; and

    *Evaluating the performance of the designated courts

    Other members of the committee are Justice Kashim Zannah (Chief Judge of Borno State), Justice P. O. Nnadi (CJ, Imo), Justice Marshal Umukoro (CJ, Delta), Justice M. L. Abimbola (CJ, Oyo State), President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) and four former NBA Presidents – Wole Olanipekun, Olisa Agbakoba, Joseph Daudu and Augustine Alegeh (all Senior Advocates).

    Others are Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN), Mrs. R. I. Inga, representative of some non-government organisations, representative of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and NJC’s Secretary, Gambo Saleh.

    Part of the statement reads: “It will be recalled that the Chief Justice of Nigeria in his speech at the Special Session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to mark the commencement of the 2017/2018 Legal Year, emphasized on the concerns expressed by members of the public on the very slow speed with which corruption cases were being heard or determined by the Court.
    “Consequently, he directed all Heads of Courts to compile and forward to the Council, comprehensive lists of all corruption and financial crime cases being handled by their various Courts.
    “He also directed them to designate in their various jurisdictions one or more Courts, as Special Courts solely for the purpose of hearing and speedily determining corruption and financial crimes cases.
    “The Supreme Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal were equally directed to fix special date in each week for hearing and determining appeals from such cases.
    “The Committee is expected to drive the Council’s new policy on anti-corruption war.”

  • APDA lauds CJN’s order on special courts for corruption cases

    APDA lauds CJN’s order on special courts for corruption cases

    The Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance ( APDA ) has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, on his order that special courts be established for corruption-related cases.

    The party in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, also applauded the whistle blower policy of the Federal Government.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria had directed heads of various divisions of courts to establish a special court to tackle the delay in the hearing and determination of corruption and financial crime cases.

    Onnoghen also directed heads of courts to compile and forward to the National Judicial Council ( NJC ) comprehensive lists of all corruption and financial crime cases they are handling.

    APDA stated that the establishment of such special courts would help to fast track trial of corruption cases in the country.

    “The APDA lends its support to the Nigerian Judiciary under the headship of the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    “We commend Onnoghen and the Federal government by extension for the historic policy of establishing special courts to fast track the trial of corruption cases in our fatherland.

    “The APDA also wishes to commend the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for his unrelenting effort to bring all the persons who looted or aided in looting our commonwealth to justice.

    “We are of the unrepentant stance that corruption is the biggest challenge to the sustainable development of our country.

    “Only its eradication can return our nation back to the path of development, national cohesion and social inclusiveness.”

    APDA urged all Nigerians to stand up and expose corruption and corrupt practices in all ramifications.

    It commended Nigerians who spoke against the agents of destabilisation, while urging them to stand together and work towards a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

    “APDA rejects hate speech and hateful conduct.

    “We urge the relevant agencies to resist agents and promoters of hate speech, impunity and disregard for our ethics and values.’’

    The party also urged all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Cards ( PVCs ) and ensure that only credible persons were voted into positions of public trust.

  • Industrial Court gets 19 new judges

    Industrial Court gets 19 new judges

    • Inauguration at Supreme Court, Friday at 3:00 pm

    The number of judges of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has been raised by 19 with the approval of the number by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

    National Judicial Council’s (NJC’s) Director of Information, Soji Oye said in a statement that Prof Osinbajo’s approval of 19 new judges for the NICN followed a recommendation to that effect by the NJC.

    Oye said the new judges will “be sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and NJC’s Chairman, Justice Walter Onnoghen on Friday, 14th July 2017, by 3:00 pm at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

    The new judges are: Targema John Iorngee (Benue State); Namtari Mahmood Abba (Adamawa State); Nweneka Gerald Ikechi (Rivers State); Kado Sanusi (Katsina State); Adeniyi Sinmisola Oluyinka (Ogun State) and Abiola Adunola Adewemimo (Osun State).

    Also on the list are: Opeloye Ogunbowale A. (Lagos State); Essien Isaac Jeremiah (Akwa-Ibom State); Elizabeth Ama Oji (Ebonyi State); Arowosegbe Olukayode Ojo  (Ondo State); Ogbuanya Nelson S. Chukwudi (Enugu State) and Bashir Zaynab Mohammed (Niger State).

    Others are: Galadima Ibrahim Suleiman (Nasarawa State); Bassi Paul Ahmed (Borno State); Danjidda Salisu Hamisu (Kano State): Hamman Idi Polycarp (Taraba State); Damulak Kiyersohot Dashe   (Plateau State); Alkali Bashar Attahiru (Sokoto State) and Mustapha Tijjani (Jigawa State).