The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up four separate panels to investigate 27 high court judges across the country due to various accusations of misconduct. These panels are tasked with examining the allegations to determine their validity.
Additionally, the NJC has advised Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court to be cautious in his role as a judge, even when faced with difficult situations. Justice Olagunju reportedly used inappropriate language in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, criticizing the Council’s decisions and policies regarding the appointment of the President of the Court of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State.
During its 106th meeting, led by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Olukayode Ariwoola, the NJC reviewed the report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee. This report covered 22 complaints against 27 judicial officers from both Federal and State High Courts.
Following this review, the NJC formed four investigation committees to look into the complaints that were deemed to have merit. However, a statement from Mr. Soji Oye, the NJC Director of Information, indicated that 18 other complaints were dismissed as they were either without merit, abandoned, or subjudice.
The dismissed complaints included those against several judges from the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and other high courts across different states. Among those mentioned are Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, as well as Hon. Justices E. O. Williams Dawodu, B. A. Georgewill, and others.
Additionally, five judges have been placed on a pre-sanction Watch List due to poor performance. They will be reviewed further, and appropriate actions will be recommended if their performance does not improve.
In his final meeting before retirement, Justice Ariwoola expressed gratitude for the support he received from Council members and the Secretariat. He asked them to offer the same level of cooperation to his successor. In return, the Council members praised Justice Ariwoola for his leadership and wished him a healthy and fulfilling retirement.
