A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Citizens Gavel, has commended the recent actions taken by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Kano Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in addressing misconduct within the judiciary.

The NJC had on Friday sacked two senior judges and sanctioned several others over misconduct.

The NJC, in a statement by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, disclosed that its decisions were reached during its 107thmeeting held on November 13 and 14.

The Council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, noted that a Justice and Chief Judge of Imo State, T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were compulsorily retired over allegations of falsifying their birth dates.

Additionally, a Justice of the Rivers State High Court, G. C. Aguma, and another at the Anambra State High Court, A. O. Nwabunike, were suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list for misconduct.

Citizen Gavel, in a statement on Sunday by its Senior Legal Analyst, Agih Sylvester, said the bold move to reposition the judiciary is imperative at a time when issues of corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency have reduced confidence in the judiciary.

Stressing that the NJC under the leadership of Kekere-Ekun has demonstrated its commitment to upholding judicial integrity, the organisation said the suspension of Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma and Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike sends a strong message that misconduct will not be tolerated.

“By placing them on the ‘Watch-List,’ the NJC ensures accountability even beyond their suspension periods,” the statement said.

It added that the recommendation for the compulsory retirement of Chief Judge Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and Grand Kadi Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi due to age falsification underscores the importance of transparency and honesty.

The group also applauded the recent disciplinary measures taken by the Kano Judicial Service Commission, where it dismissed Magistrate Nasir Ado for failing to record court proceedings and Sharia Court Judge Yusuf Kawu for the improper release of a convicted criminal.

“These bold steps by the NJC and the Kano JSC will undoubtedly boost citizens’ confidence in the judiciary. When judicial officers are held accountable, it fosters trust in the legal system and ensures justice for all.

“As we continue to advocate for justice delivery through enhanced access to justice, the use of digital technology, accountability, and active citizen engagement, we commend the NJC and the Kano Judicial Service Commission for their unwavering commitment to fostering a credible and trustworthy judiciary,” Citizen Gavel noted. (The Guardian)