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  • NJC voids suspension of Benue CJ by Assembly

    NJC voids suspension of Benue CJ by Assembly

    • House suspends 13 members

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday voided the suspension of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Maurice Ikpambese, by the House of Assembly.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, Kemi Ogendengbe, the Council said the decision was an affront to constitutional provisions on the disciplining of judges.

    NJC insisted that the powers to investigate and discipline any judicial officer rest solely with it.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed a resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, from office.

    “Unfortunate as this development is, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the 1999 Constitution on discipline and appointment of judicial officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.

    “Although the Council this morning received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.

    “As far as council is therefore concerned, until the complaint is investigated and deliberated upon by it, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.”

    Read Also: NJC hammers Rivers, Anambra judges over alleged misconduct

    The Assembly suspended CJ for alleged misappropriation and mismanagement of the budgetary allocation and finances of the state judiciary.

    Her removal was based on a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer.

    Tiseer alleged that Ikpambese had been hobnobbing with politicians and political officeholders for favourable judicial outcomes.

    The majority leader accused the CJ of bribery and corruption, alleging that she showed undue favouritism through unmerited judicial appointments.

    He further accused her of abuse of office by issuing an order to overturn the Benue State Electoral Law which was duly passed by the Assembly and assented to by the governor.

    The motion was seconded by Mr Peter Ipusu.

    The Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, directed the immediate swearing-in of the next most senior judge as the Acting Chief Judge of Benue.

    Dajoh said a petition against Ikpambese would be forwarded to the NJC for investigation.

    Also yesterday, 13 members of the Assembly were suspended for three months over what the Speaker termed as “dishonourable actions capable of casting aspersions and causing acrimony in the House”.

    The House condemned the actions of the member representing Makurdi South Constituency, Mr. Douglas Akya, and 12 others, who addressed a press conference dissociating themselves from the CJ’s removal.

    The House directed the Clerk to retrieve the money already paid them for the next month’s trip to London.

    They are also to be stopped from embarking on the trip.

  • NJC hammers Rivers, Anambra judges over alleged misconduct

    NJC hammers Rivers, Anambra judges over alleged misconduct

    • Suspends them from office for one year
    • Retires two others for age falsification
    • Petition that landed Rivers judge in trouble
    • Council recommends 36 judges for appointment

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday wielded its big stick on the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi for age falsification.

    They were recommended for compulsory retirement.

    The stick also came heavily on Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court who were sent on suspension for one year each without pay for judicial misconduct.

    In addition, they were placed on ‘watch list for two years after the suspension.

    The council also empanelled a committee to investigate all complaints and petitions against the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice O. A. Ojo.

    These decisions were the highlights of the 107th meeting of the NJC which took place in Abuja between Wednesday and Thursday.

    Spokesperson for the council, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe said in a statement yesterday that the decisions stemmed from the report of NJC’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which considered a total number of 30 petitions.

    It  empanelled six committees for further investigation.

    The NJC dismissed 22 petitions filed against judges for lacking in merit and found that two were sub judice.

    Babalola-Ogedengbe, in the statement, said the  council’s findings revealed that Justice Aguma “committed acts of misconduct by aiding a litigant, who obtained a judgment at the FCT High Court, Abuja, and filed a garnishee against judgement debtors in Bori division of the High Court, Rivers State.

    “The council finds that Justice Aguma failed to raise any query as to why the garnishee proceedings were brought to his court in Bori for a money judgment that could effectively be enforced in Abuja.

    “That the judgment was delivered on 15 July 2020, at the High Court of the FCT, while the certificate of judgment was registered at Bori division of the High Court of Rivers State on 16 July 2020.

    “The council further finds that the speed with which the Hon. Justice Aguma took and granted the order absolute against the judgment debtors showed that he had an interest, especially as he failed to take into consideration the stay of execution of the judgment granted in favour of the judgement debtors by the Bwari High Court, which had been brought to his attention.”

    In the case of  Justice Nwabunike the council found him to have breached the provision of Rule 3.1 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016.

    “He also failed to adhere to the principle of stare decisis from his different interpretation of the word “aspirant” and abused his judicial powers by granting ex parte orders without a motion on notice filed along with the originating summons,” Babalola-Ogedengbe said.

    Continuing, she said: “Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka was recommended to the Governor of Imo State for compulsory retirement with effect from 27 October 2021, while all salaries and allowance received in excess by His Lordship from 27 October 2021 till date should be refunded to the Council.

    “The recommendation was pursuant to the findings of the council that His Lordship has two different dates of birth; 27 October 1956 and 27 October 1958.

    Read Also: BREAKING: NJC recommends retirement of Imo CJ, Yobe Grand Kadi over alleged age falsification

    “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.

    “Similarly, council finds that Hon. Kadi Mahdi has 3 different dates of birth (10 December, 28 January and July) all in 1959, while his actual date of birth was 1952.

    “The council held 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.

    “The council, therefore, 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.

    “The council at its meeting, also issued letter of caution to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State to be more circumspect in handling sensitive matters in the future.

    “The council further resolved to issue letter of caution to Hon. Justice J. J. Majebi, Chief Judge, Kogi State, for assigning a sensitive matter to a junior Judge on the Bench.

    “The council also deliberated on four petitions against Hon. Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja as follows:

    “Petition by Mr Douglas W. Chukwu, the Secretary of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission against Hon. Justice Lifu was discountenanced, as the petitioner, who had earlier indicated interest to participate in the hearing of his petition failed, neglected and refused to appear before the committee.

    “The council also finds that the allegations of inducement to the tune of $1million, a bullet-proof car and gift of a plot of land to Hon. Justice Lifu by Chief Emeka Beke, Chairman, All Progressives Congress, (APC), Rivers State were not substantiated in any form.

    “It was also found that the same parties who appeared before the High Court in Rivers State, also appeared before Hon. Justice Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja, but failed to disclose or bring to the notice of the Hon. Judge the existence of a sister case at Rivers State High Court.

    “The council noted that the acts of misconduct alleged were actually perpetuated by the petitioners who filed the case at the Rivers State High Court, after the case at the Federal High Court, Abuja had been instituted, suggesting forum shopping.

    “Council finds that Hon. Justice Lifu neither exhibited personal interest in the matter nor misconducted himself in the procedure and noted that the complaints contained in the petition are now subject of appeal by the petitioners.

  • BREAKING: NJC recommends retirement of Imo CJ, Yobe Grand Kadi over alleged age falsification

    BREAKING: NJC recommends retirement of Imo CJ, Yobe Grand Kadi over alleged age falsification

    …suspends two judges for one year

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the  compulsory retirement of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi for falsification of their ages.

    The NJC took the decision at its at its 107th meeting of held between  November 13 and 14.

    According to a statement by NJC’s spokesperson, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe the council

    suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of High Court of Rivers State from performing judicial functions for a period of one year without pay and also placed him on “watch-list” for two years thereafter.

    The NJC equally suspended Justice A. O. Nwabunike, of Anambra State High Court, from performing judicial functions for one year without pay and was equally placed on “watch-list” for two years thereafter.

    It also considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which considered a total number of 30 petitions, and empanelled six committees for further investigation.

    The NJC dismissed 22 Petitions filed against judges for lacking in merit and found that two were sub judice.

    Details shortly…

  • Ekiti lawyers take Justice Nwite to NJC

    Ekiti lawyers take Justice Nwite to NJC

    Lawyers, under the aegis of Ekiti Lawyers Vanguard for Transparency, have petitioned the Chairman of National Judicial Council (NJC), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, against Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over his alleged controversial rulings and other misconducts.

    Read Also:Post-election judgments: Justice Owoade calls on NJC to improve capacity of judiciary

    The lawyers accused Nwite of bias and desecration of the temple of justice with what they described as unjust conducts, saying the judge’s actions were capable of bringing Nigeria to great disrepute if they were not curbed.

  • Ekiti lawyers drag Justice Nwite to NJC over alleged controversial rulings 

    Ekiti lawyers drag Justice Nwite to NJC over alleged controversial rulings 

    Scores of lawyers under the aegis of Ekiti Lawyers Vanguard for Transparency have petitioned the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, against Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja over his alleged controversial rulings and other misconducts.

    The legal practitioners accused Nwite of bias and desecration of the temple of justice with what they described as unjust conducts, maintaining that the judge’s actions were capable of bringing Nigeria to great disrepute if they are not curbed.

    The lawyers claimed that Justice Nwite’s alleged unjust rulings were embarrassments to the body of benchers, expressing dismay that Nwite, who restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from probing Oluwaseun Odewale, a former aide to ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola and shielded them from prosection on their alleged role in corruption cases, was the same judge who issued a controversial bench warrant for the arrest of a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite the pendency of an order of a State High Court stopping his arrest and prosecution.

    The petition was addressed to the Chairman of the NJC and signed by 10 lawyers, including Ademiloye Oladotun, Balogun Adeyemi, Fadeshola Alice, Ola-Ojo Samuel, Olayinka Ibrahim, Adebayo Joel, Akintoye Bayonle, Ogundare Kayode, Adaramola Olakunle and Igandan Olawunmi, on behalf of 54 lawyers, who are members of the Vanguard.

    It is entitled: “Invitation to Probe Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for Manifest Judicial Rascality, Inconsistent Rulings, Bias, Conducts Capable of Causing Public Distrust in the Judiciary, Injustice and Inappropriate Use of the Court.”

    Demanding urgent intervention of the NJC, the lawyers alleged that justice had become a commodity in favour of the highest bidder whenever cases were brought before Nwite.

    The protest letter, which was received by the office of the NJC on October 14, 2024,  stated, “It is no longer noble or golden to hold our peace or maintain silence in a situation capable of destroying the very tenet and fabric that holds the foundation of our justice system. To maintain muteness in a time as this is to condone sacrilege and aid things capable of bringing the nation to great disrepute.

    “Flowing from the above, we humbly invite the NJC to take a critical look at the conduct of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, FCT-Abuja. In recent actions and decisions made by Justice Emeka Nwite in the courtroom, we have observed a clear pattern of behaviour that suggests lack of impartiality, adherence to the rule of law, adherence to court order, judicial fidelity, and fairness. This perception not only undermines the integrity of the judicial system but also erodes public confidence in our courts and breeds dissatisfaction among the litigants and general public.

    Read Also: NJC will not spare non-performing judges, says CJN

    “It is our great concern that Justice Emeka Nwite has unfortunately become notorious in delivering inconsistent judgments against the spirit of the age-long principle of stare decisis, and has often been alleged to be a pliable tool in the hands of corrupt individuals and overzealous institutions in the abuse of executive and judicial powers. Corrupt individuals have also found his court to be a safe haven and escape route from the long arm of justice. More unfortunate is the fact that justice is now becoming a commodity to the highest bidder…

    “It is shocking that the same Justice Emeka Nwite who restrained the EFCC from probing Oluwaseun Odewale, and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola is the same judge who issued a controversial bench warrant for the arrest of the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite the pendency of an order of a State High Court stopping his arrest and prosecution. It is unjustifiable in the circumstance that a judge would reprobate and approbate; issue an order stopping EFCC from probing Adewale of corruption and on the other hand, issue a bench warrant for the arrest of someone that has a valid court order stopping his arrest and prosecution.

    “It is a basic principle in law that where a restraining order is issued against any agency from arresting or prosecuting an individual, the only remedy for such an order is either to be vacated by the same court which gave it or on an appeal, unturned by a higher court. Thousands of applicants have obtained such orders and remain binding until vacated or upturned. So, while the court restraining order subsists, the status quo is maintained and nothing shall be done to flout it.”

    “Albeit, Justice Emeka Nwite had the knowledge of the existing order, he neither sought its enforcement, vacation nor to be upturned by the higher court, but he went ahead brazenly to give an order of arrest which violated and flouted the existing valid court order but did to the contrary to favour ex- Governor Kayode Fayemi’s aides. This is a double standard, my Lord,” the lawyers told Kekere-Ekun.

    They also recalled how Nwite granted an exparte application to the Police to arrest Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and five others over their alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly, expressing dismay that the judge later set aside the order after being exposed.

    The legal luminaries said: “This strange practice and recalcitrant behaviour of Justice Emeka Nwite has brought shame to the hallowed temple of justice and subjected our judicial system to public ridicule. It has also continued to erode the confidence of the people in the abilities of the Court to give consistent and non conflicting rulings in the same matters before it and worse still, Justice Emeka Nwite is pushing a dangerous idea that the order of court should not be obeyed.

    “The needless bias, conflicting court orders, and flouting of subsisting court order or abuse of it by the Honourable Justice portend a worrisome and dangerous precedent. As Senator Elizabeth Warren would say, ‘When judges allow their biases to affect their judgments, they undermine the very foundation of justice,” 

  • Alleged misconduct: NJC sets up four committees to investigate 27 judges

    Alleged misconduct: NJC sets up four committees to investigate 27 judges

    • Discards petitions against Justices Dongbam-Memsem, Tsoho, others
    • Places five judges on pre-sanction watch list register over ‘poor performance’
    • Cautions Oyo State’s Justice Olagunju

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has resolved to investigate allegations of misconduct against 27 judges across the country.

    The council has accordingly set up four committees to conduct the investigation.

    This is one of the highlights of the decisions taken by the NJC at its meeting held in Abuja between August 14 and 15.

    The council,according to its spokesman,Soji Oye, also elected to discard petitions written against the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho and other judicial officers both of the Court of Appeal and High Courts.

    But it  issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of Oyo State High Court “to be circumspect as a judicial officer before acting, even in the most challenging situation.”

    The NJC,in the statement, said the letter of advice to Justice Olagunju Oye came about after the council “considered the report of the committee it set up, and mandated it to invite the Hon. Judge to appear before it to defend his uncouth language in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, challenging council’s decision viz-a-viz its Policy Direction on Appointment of President Court of the Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.”

    It added:”Council, at the meeting, considered the report of its preliminary complaints Assessment Committee on 22 petitions written against 27 judicial officers of the Federal and State High Courts and decided to empanel four committees to investigate allegations in the petitions that were found meritorious.

    Read Also: Alleged misconduct: NJC sets up four committees to investigate 27 judges

    “The remaining 18 petitions were discountenanced for lacking of merit, abandoned, or being sub-judice.

    “The discountenanced petitions are against Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, CFR, President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justices E. O. Williams Dawodu, B. A. Georgewill, Yargata Timpar, S. D. Samchi, Aisha B. Aliyu, A. A. Aderibigbe M. L. Shuaibu, H. A. O. Abiru and Abdulazeez Waziri (all of the Court of Appeal).

    “Others are Hon. Justice J. T. Tsoho, OFR, Chief Judge Federal High Court, Hon. Justices Z. B. Abubakar, J. K. Omotosho, Sunday B. Onu all of the Federal High Court and Justice Okon E. Abang when he was serving at the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Babagana Karumi of the High Court Borno State, Hon. Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar of the High Court of Niger State, Hon. Justice A. A. Aderibigbe of Osun State High Court and Hon. Justice Aisha B. Aliyu of Nasarawa State High Court.

    “Petitions written against Justices Ayodele Oyeyemi Oyebisi, Amaobi L. Agara, Amina Garba, Bello M. Tukur, Omeka Elekwa and O. A. Adetujoye, who served at Asaba and Plateau National and State Assembly Election Tribunal Panels, were also discountenanced.

    “Council also considered the report of its Performance Evaluation of Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of record and resolved to issue letters ranging from commendation, appreciation, no submission and non-performance to 215 judges all over the Federation.

    “It also placed five judges on its pre-sanction watch list register for poor performance. They would be recommended to the council for appropriate sanction if they do not improve on their performance.

    “Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, in the meeting being the last one before his retirement, appreciated the cooperation he received from members of the council and the council’s secretariat and implored them to extend same to his successor.

    “Members of the Council also eulogized the outgoing CJN and Chairman one after the other and wished him good health in retirement.”

  • UPDATED: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun to succeed Ariwoola as CJN

    UPDATED: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun to succeed Ariwoola as CJN

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

    Justice Kekere-Ekun is to replace Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who will retire on August 22 as the CJN.

    The NJC made the recommendation to President Bola Tinubu at its 106 meeting held in Abuja between August 14 and 15.

    The spokesman for the NJC, Soji Oye said in a statement on Thursday that the decision became imperative because Justice Ariwoola “will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday on 22 August 2024.”

    Oye added: “Council also recommend 27 candidates for appointment as judges of states courts and a candidate for appointment as Kadi of the Sharia Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to their various state governors and Mr. President.

    “All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in after the approval of the NJC’s recommendations to the President and their respective state governors.”

    For the High Court of Kwara State, the NJC recommended the appointment of six judges.

    They are Olawoyin Ibijoke Olabisi, Abdulrazaq Fatimah Funsho, Folorunsho Oba Muritala,

    Dikko Yusuf Adebayo, Adeniyi Oluwatosin Adenike, and Osuolale-Ajayi Temitope Olalekan.

    For the High Court of Rivers State, eight were recommended. They are Onyiri Frank, Ugoji Victor Chinedum, Obomanu Godswill Vidal, Oguguo Rita Chituru, Fubara Alatuwo Elkanah, Kokpan Bariyima Sylvester, Obu Ibietela Innocent Madighi and Wifa-Adedipe Lesi.

    Read Also: UPDATED: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun to succeed Ariwoola as CJN

    The NJC also recommended six for appointment as judges of the High Court of Ondo State.

    They are Daomi Williams Adebisi, Fabuluje Adewumi William, Ogunwumiju Mobayonle Idowu, Demehin-Ogunbayo Inumidun Happiness, Kpemi Ojufisintei Justinah and Adegoroye Olufunke Adeola.

    Four were recommended for the High Court of Benue State.  They are Kor Vincent Tersoo, Ikwulono Maigida Maimuna, Adagba Nguhemen Julie and Tor Damian Tersugh.

    The NJC also recommended Onche Ogah Inalegwu and Igba Theophilus Terhile for appointment as judges of Benue State Customary Court of Appeal.

    It recommended Zubairu Murtala Ja’afaru for appointment as a judge of the High Court of Kaduna State and Muhammad Lawal Munir as a kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

  • RMAFC, NJC, NBA back 300% salary raise for judicial officers

    RMAFC, NJC, NBA back 300% salary raise for judicial officers

    President Bola Tinubu’s proposed 300 percent increase in the salaries and allowances of judicial office holders has received the backing of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC) and  Justice Minister  Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    Also in support of the planned review are the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy  Wale Edun, the  National Judicial Council (NJC), and the  Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). 

    They okayed the plan during a one-day public hearing on  “A Bill for an Act to prescribe the salaries and allowances and fringe benefit of judicial office holders in Nigeria and related matters, 2024.” by  the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in Abuja yesterday

    Fagbemi in his presentation, urged the committee to note that efforts to improve the remuneration of judicial officers in the country have a chequered history.

    He said: “I wish to remark that the judicial office holders (salaries and allowances, etc.) Bill 2024 is quite innovative, aside from the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognizance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.

    Read Also: Iran to hold memorial ceremonies for late president today

    “This bill will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity.

    “The present-day but sad reality is that the judiciary has stagnated on the same salary scale for over 16 years, this is totally unacceptable and quite antithetical to any meaningful judicial reform.

    “I strongly commend this bill for your kind consideration and do urge the Senate to support and ensure the passage of this Bill in the national interest of promoting the rule of law.”

    Fagbemi added that the Justice Ministry, the judiciary, and other key stakeholders were also interested in ensuring a holistic review of our justice system.

    This, according to him, explains why he is ‘’taking immediate/urgent steps to establish a Working Group on the review of the 1999 Constitution and other relevant laws.

    The working group will, among others, ‘’focus on the key provisions aimed at achieving the judiciary that responds to evolving justice needs of Nigerians.’’

    “At the appropriate time, and I promise, very soon, we will come up with proposals for Constitutional and statutory reforms of the judiciary in particular, and the administration of the justice system in general,” the minister promised.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN)  Kayode Ariwoola, represented by Borno State  Chief Judge  Kashim Zannah, said Nigerians would continue to suffer from the nation’s judiciary system until salaries, allowances, and other benefits of judges are increased.

    “When judges are well compensated, yes, they do their best. But actually, as clearly demonstrated, the real interest that is being looked at is the interest of these citizens because they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of a deprived judiciary,” said Ariwoola, who is also NJC chairman.

    The CJN  equated the condition of judges to that of a patient in an intensive care unit that needs serious medical attention.

    He said: “In a nutshell, what we are saying is this: The situation of judges across Nigeria is like one in a critical condition in the ICU.

    “The schedule to the bill would stabilise the patient. The one contained in the appropriation door would have him moved from the ICU to the general ward. When a patient is in that condition, you don’t start physiotherapy at the ICU.

    “You make sure he is stabilised, moved to the general ward, gains some strength, and then you now look at physiotherapy and all other therapists. That, in a nutshell, is our presentation…

    “Do move quickly, move the patient out of the ICU to the general ward, and then we will come. In fact, our starting point will now be a reference to the chairman’s very own observation about gratuities and allowances.

    “But for now, let’s stabilise the patient, move him out of ICU, and then we can talk about the rest later.”

    RMAFC’s Chairman Mohammed Shehu narrated how they worked on the proposal by the President that was transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration. 

    He said the commission which is statutorily charged with the responsibility of monitoring accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, said supported the proposal based on current realities.

    Shehu said: “We completed our work on the review of salaries of judicial officers but the fuel subsidy removal on May 29, 2023, and the changes in the economic situation rendered that report completely unimplementable. So, we went back to the drawing board.

    “The Attorney-General contacted the commission on the directives of the President, and he directed the commission to go back and look at that report that we submitted to the former president(Muhammadu Buhari) and consider the new situation.

    “And that was what we did. We looked at the consumer price index and inflation rate. We also did a comparative analysis of countries like Ghana, Ethiopia, India,   Rwanda, the UK(United Kingdom), and the United States and we discovered that the Nigerian judiciary generally is really at the bottom of the rung.

    ‘’When we presented our recommendation, Mr  President looked at it and asked a number of questions– whether we have done an analysis of the affordability of the changes that are going to be in the law? whether the system can afford it. and whether it is sustainable.

    ‘’I said yes.

    Edun, who also supported the bill, said: I have listened to the Attorney-General. I cannot but follow him. He is the authority in government law.

    “I cannot but follow him in commending this bill and requesting its swift passage to the benefit of the judiciary in particular and Nigerians in general.” 

    The President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, said the proposed increase would help strengthen the independence of the judiciary.

  • FULL LIST: NJC recommends appointment of 86 judges

    FULL LIST: NJC recommends appointment of 86 judges

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 86 Justices and judges for the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal of states across the country.

    Here is the full list of the recommendations:

    JUSTICES, COURT OF APPEAL – 22

    1. Hon. Justice Kwahar Polycarp Terna

    2. Hon. Justice Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola

    3. Hon. Justice Eleojo Eneche

    4. Hon. Justice Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf

    5. Hon. Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman

    6. Hon. Justice Abdu Dogo

    7. Hon. Justice Fadawu Umaru

    8. Hon. Justice Ishaq Mohammed Sani

    9. Hon. Justice Zainab Bage Abubakar

    10. Hon. Justice Abdulazeez M. Anka

    11. Hon. Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba

    12. Hon. Justice Nwoye Victoria Tochukwu

    13. Hon. Justice Nwabunkeonye Onwosi

    14. Hon. Justice Okorowo Donatus Uwaezuoke

    15. Hon. Justice Ngozika Uwazurunonye Okaisabor

    16. Hon. Justice Ntong Festus Ntong

    17. Hon. Justice Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi

    18. Hon. Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette

    19. Hon. Justice Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo

    20. Hon. Justice Akinyemi Abiodun Azeem

    21. Hon. Justice Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola

    22. Hon. Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi

     JUDGES, HIGH COURT, FCT ABUJA – 12

    1. Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo

    2. Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi

    3. Anumaenwe Godwin Iheabunike

    4. Odo Celestine Obinna

    5. Hauwa Lawal Gummi

    6. Abdurahman Usman

    7. Buetnaan Mandy Bassi

    Read Also: CJN, NJC, others fault suit against appointment of judges in FCT

    8. Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh

    9. Maryan Iye Yusuf

    10. Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria

    11. Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike

    12. Munirat Ibrahim Tanko

    JUDGES, IMO STATE HIGH COURT – 7

    Akowundu Cletus Ndubuisi

    Uchenna Mary Njoku

    Chibuogwu Ojiugo Chukwumaeze

    Ononogbo Chidi Linus

    Adaego Peace Nosiri

    Emeka Ozoma Orafu

    Mathew Chinedu Ijezie

    JUDGES, BAUCH STATE HIGH COURT – 6

    1. Amin Umar Ilelah

    2. Aliyu Bin Idris

    3. Ahmed Shuaibu Ningi

    4. Shafa’u Ladan Yusuf

    5. Abdussalam Idris Waziri

    6. Kawu A. Yerima

    JUDGES, TARABA STATE HIGH COURT – 3

    1. Hamidu Audu

    2. Bibonga Jeniffer Nauma

    3. Joel Daniel Ubandoma

    JUDGES, LAGOS STATE HIGH COURT – 13

    1. Sunmonu Tunde Bashiru

    2. Azeez Fimisola Augusta

    3. Alebiosu Olawale Lawal

    4. Adewale Russel Musiliu

    5. Popoola Oluwatosin Ajose

    6. Anjorin-Ajose Tanimola Abdulwaheed

    7. Muyideen Abdul-Raheem Tejumade

    8. George Alfred Akingbola

    9. Balogun Adegboyega Ganiu

    10. Shonubi Adenike Kudirat

    11. Badejo-Okusanya Yewande Jokotola

    12. Layinka Oyeladun Amope

    13. Ojuromi Nalirat Olayinka Oluwatosin

    JUDGES, KOGI STATE HIGH COURT – 4

    1. Ajesola Joseph Sunday

    2. Ojoma Rachael Haruna

    3. Kadiri Badama

    4. Ezema Beatrice Ada

    JUDGES, JIGAWA STATE HIGH COURT – 2

    1. Mohammad El-Usman

    2. Nilfa Abdullahi Gambo

    KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, BAUCHI STATE – 5

    1. Ishaku Magaji

    2. Abdurrahman Hassan Sabo

    3. Bello Mohammed Sambowal

    4. Muhyiddeen Mohammed

    5. Mahmoud Idris Shehu Tiyin

    KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KOGI STATE – 5

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    2. Okino Isah Saidu

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    1. Mukhtar Shuaibu Adam

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    1. Everyman Ezenna Eleanya

    2. Ofoha Sylvesta Uchenna

    3. Ibeh Rosemond Oluchi

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  • CJN, NJC, others fault suit against appointment of judges in FCT

    CJN, NJC, others fault suit against appointment of judges in FCT

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the National Judicial Council (NJC) and others have faulted a suit challenging the appointment of 12 judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    In a notice of preliminary objection they jointly filed, the CJN, NJC and Chief Judge of the High Court of the FCT want the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/205/3024 for want of jurisdiction.

    They argued that not only are the issues raised in the case not justiciable, the plaintiff, Azubuike Oko, who claimed to be a lawyer from Ebonyi State, lacked the locus standi to institute the action.

    The defendants added that “Under Section 245C(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has exclusive jurisdiction to determine matters relating to or connected with and any dispute over the interpretation and application of Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as it relates to the employment of judicial officers.”

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    In a supporting affidavit, they reminded the court that it had dismissed a similar suit marked: FC/ABJCS/602/2020 filed by JRP Foundation Ltd, in which it challenged the nomination of 21 lawyers for appointment as judges of the High Court of the FCT.

    At the mention of the case on Thursday, lawyer to the CJN and others, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) made final submissions on behalf of his clients after adopting all the documents he filed and prayed the court dismissed the suit.

    Plaintiff lawyer, Nkemakolam Okoro equally adopted all that he filed for his client and prayed the court to grant all the reliefs sought in the suit.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo has adjourned till March 15 for judgment.

    Oko had filed the suit to protest the non-inclusion of lawyers from his state among the newly appointed judges of the High Court of the FCT.

    He alleged that Ebonyi had been routinely excluded and marginalised with respect to the appointment of judges of the High Court of FCT by the court’s Chief Judge, the NJC and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

    Oko alleged that it was the Chief Judge of the High Court of the FCT who computed the names of qualified lawyers from selected states, which he sent to the FJSC for recommendation to NJC for appointment by the President of Nigeria as judges of the court.

    He averred that the states mentioned for the nomination of lawyers for appointment as judges into the 12 positions were Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara.

    He, however, alleged that currently, Oyo and Kogi “already had two serving judges in the FCT High Court, and the two states were given additional slots, to now have three judges despite the fact that Ebonyi State has no single serving judge in the High Court of the FCT.”