The National Judicial Council has handed three judicial officers one-year suspensions without pay over alleged misconduct, including unlawful detention of litigants, abuse of judicial authority and violation of due process.
The disciplinary measures were approved at the Council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In addition to the suspensions, the Council cautioned eight judicial officers, approved warning letters for three judges and placed six others on its Watch List.
It also dismissed 24 petitions and recommended 28 candidates for various judicial appointments.
Three judges suspended are Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir – Nasarawa State High Court, sanctioned for ordering the arrest and detention of a litigant for 58 days over alleged disobedience to a court order without following the required contempt procedures.
The NJC investigation established that she failed to initiate proper contempt proceedings or serve the litigant with the mandatory Forms 48 and 49.
The Council ruled that her action infringed on the litigant’s right to a fair hearing. She was also barred from consideration for promotion or elevation for three years.
Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu – Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal was indicted for his involvement in reopening a judgment previously delivered by the FCT Upper Area Court.
According to the investigation, he exceeded his judicial authority by setting up a committee to review the judgment before transferring the matter to another judge.
The judge subsequently admitted fresh evidence and delivered another judgment.
The NJC maintained that the action amounted to an appeal against a valid decision of a court with competent jurisdiction, contrary to Rule 3.3.1 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, 2016.
Justice Sobere Biambo of Rivers State High Court was suspended for ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing fines of ₦300,000 on each of them in connection with a civil dispute without complying with the prescribed contempt procedures.
The Council found that he failed to institute proper contempt proceedings or serve the affected parties with Forms 48 and 49 before taking the action.
He was equally barred from nomination for elevation for three years.
Other judicial officers sanctioned
The NJC also took disciplinary action against other judicial officers following investigations into petitions concerning their conduct.
Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court received a warning letter and was placed on the Council’s Watch List over his decision to grant interim bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, despite an existing remand order.
Similarly, Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court was cautioned over his handling of post-judgment garnishee proceedings in a case involving First Bank of Nigeria Plc.
The Council said the measures were part of its efforts to strengthen judicial accountability, enforce professional standards and improve public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.
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