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Tag: judges

  • Federal High Court CJ redeploys judges

    Federal High Court CJ redeploys judges

    Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), on Sunday, announced the redeployment of some judges.

    Justice Tsoho, in a statement by FHC’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, directed Justice M. G. Umar from Enugu Judicial Division to take over cases earlier presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo of Court 5 in Abuja division.

    “The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK) has effected the redeployment of some judges of the court.

    “The general public is hereby notified that all cases pending before Court No. 5 in the Abuja Judicial Division will be attended to by the judge who has been moved to Abuja for that purpose.

    “Consequently, there is no need for litigants and /or counsel to apply to the Hon. Chief Judge for re-assignment of cases that have been pending before the court,” the statement said.

    Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim from Gombe division was transferred to Yola division, while Justice M. T. Segun-Bello from Abakaliki division was moved to Enugu division.

    Also, Justice Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman from Yola division was redeployed to Awka division and Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed from Awka division transferred to Gombe division.

    According to the statement, the redeployments take immediate effect.

    “The affected judges are to make their best endeavour to deliver all pending judgements in their current stations within the shortest possible time.

    “The judges currently resident in the Abakaliki and Katsina Judicial Divisions shall take responsibility for all the cases already pending or newly instituted in their respective Divisions, until otherwise instructed,” it concluded.

  • BREAKING! NJC heavy hammer falls on Rivers, Anambra judges

    BREAKING! NJC heavy hammer falls on Rivers, Anambra judges

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice G. C Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A.O Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court from performing judicial functions.

    “They were both suspended for the period of one year without pay and placed on watch list for two years thereafter,”.

    According to monitored reports the suspension takes immediate effect from November 15, 2024.

    The decision, says the report, was taken at the 107th Meeting of the NJC chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on 13 and 14 November 2024.

    Details shortly

  • Alleged intimidation of Judges hinders fight against corruption – Tinubu

    Alleged intimidation of Judges hinders fight against corruption – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has identified frivolous appeals, alleged intimidation of Judges by lawyers and judgments delivered on grounds of technicalities as some of the major challenges impeding the war against corruption.

    According to him, until these challenges are curtailed, they will continue to hamper the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.

    Tinubu stated this on Monday while declaring open the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission/National Judicial Institute Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.

    NAN reports that the president was represented by the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima.

    He, however, acknowledged that prosecution of corruption cases had improved remarkably, following the justice sector reforms in the last few years.

    The president described the capacity-building workshop as a platform to collectively raise a strong voice against Nigeria’s common enemy called corruption.

    Tinubu said, ” There is no gainsaying the fact that the judiciary is central to the success of the anti corruption efforts.

    ”The commitment, courage and patriotism of judicial officers are ingredients that make the difference in the fight against corruption.

    ”Though I am aware that prosecution of corruption matters has improved in the light of the justice sector reforms in the last few years.

    ”We are not oblivious of some challenges that continue to impede the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.

    ”They include frivolous applications and appeals, meant to delay the trial, intimidation of judges by counsel, and judgment based not on the facts of cases but on technicalities.”

    He said that no Nigerian was immune to corruption, a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of her God-given resources.

    Tinubu urged the judiciary arm of government to ensure that the courts are equipped with the required knowledge to handle cases involving these new forms of crime.

    ”As an administration, we remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities.

    ”One of the major actions of the government within the first year of my administration was improving the welfare of judges across the board with an increase in their remuneration.

    “Official accommodation is also being provided for various categories of judicial officers in highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory,” he stated.

    The president assured his administration has, through strategic investment, recovered proceeds of corruption in critical social programmes.

    He added that his administration moved to reduce the pressure on vulnerable Nigerians to resort to corrupt practices.

    Tinubu commended the EFCC for its commitment in fighting all economic and financial crimes, especially in tracing and recovering stolen assets.

    He assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the work of the commission to ensure that it continues to deliver its statutory mandate without let or hindrance”.

    Tinubu thanked the leaderships of NJI and EFCC for initiating the annual workshop for prosecutors and judicial officers.

    He expressed the hope that the seminar would interrogate the challenges hampering the fight against corruption.

    Earlier, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the current leadership of anti-graft agencies for their commitment and collaboration with the judiciary in handling economic, financial crimes and related cases.

    Kekere-Ekun urged that the law enforcement agencies must begin to see judicial officials as partners in the anti-graft campaign in Nigeria.

    She pledged the support and commitment of the judiciary in the campaign through capacity-building initiatives for justices, judges and prosecuting officers.

    The CJN stated that economic and financial crimes were posing significant threats to national and global economies and must be tackled by all stakeholders.

    On his part, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, praised the collaboration between anti-graft agencies and the judiciary.

    “It is incumbent on us all as stakeholders to adopt and implement pragmatic solutions that will help address challenges confronting our country, including financial crimes,” he said.

    Akpabio also advocated a periodic review of laws relating to economic crimes and the creation of a central database for use by law enforcement agencies.

    He maintained that the complexity of financial crimes required constant tweaking of the laws.

  • Tinubu to build 40 houses for judges

    Tinubu to build 40 houses for judges

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval for the building of 40 houses designated for judges and justices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, shared this information with reporters at the State House in Abuja following the Federal Executive Council meeting led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The initiative, which is a component of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to ensure that judges have access to safe and comfortable housing.

  • Ododo presents 11 cars to judges in Kogi

    Ododo presents 11 cars to judges in Kogi

    Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, on Tuesday, presented additional 11 cars to judges in the state.

    Ododo, while presenting the cars to the state Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Mejabi, at Muhammad Buhar Square, Lokoja, promised to deliver the last batch very soon.

    The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Mr Elijah Evimemi, said that the gesture was a proof of his administration’s priority for the welfare of judicial officers in the state for optimum service and results.

    “The issuance of the 11 vehicles is in fulfillment of my promise to the judiciary on the day of the swearing-in of newly-appointed judges in July to add more cars to the arm.

    “That day, this government gave out 14 vehicles and today, we are giving out 11 more to our hardworking judicial officers in the state.

    “We hope to supply more soon so that it can go round all our judges and magistrates operating in the state,” he said.

    Ododo urged the judicial officers to reciprocate government’s gesture by doing justice to all and sundry seeking their service in court rooms.

    Responding, the chief judge thanked the governor for keeping to his promise to the judiciary by donating utility vehicles to the judicial officers in the state.

    Mejabi said that the vehicles would go a long way in assisting them in the performance of their duties of adjudication on matters concerning the unity and peaceful coexistence of Kogi residents.

    He described Ododo as people’s governor, based on the people-oriented policies and programmes being implemented and felt by citizens.

    “I can openly say here that his administration is an inclusive one that is characterised with fairness and justice.

    “Ododo is a man of his words. His words are followed by actions. I believe he will soon donate the last batch of the vehicles to us so that all the judicial officers will have theirs,” he said.

    The chief judge expressed the hope that after being through with the health sector, the governor would look at the renovation of courts to make them more conducive.

  • NJC bars 3 judges from elevation

    NJC bars 3 judges from elevation

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) at its plenary of 105th Meeting has resolved to issue warning letters to three Judges and also barred them from elevation to higher bench for a period of time.

    This is contained in a Statement by Mr Soji Oye, the Director of Information of NJC on Friday in Abuja.

    The judges that will receive the warning letters are Justices Inyang  Ekwo of the Federal High Court, G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court and Amina Shehu of Yobe  High Court.

    Ekwo was warned for abuse of discretionary power of a Judge by wrongly granting an ex parte order in Suit No FHC/ABJ/C/626/2023 Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors V Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors, he was also barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of two years.

    Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court was issued a warning for failure to deliver judgment within stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor Vs Skye Bank, Suit No A/94/2010 after parties had filed and adopted their final Written Addresses.

    Brikins-Okolosi will also not be elevated to a higher Bench for a period of three years.

    The council also cautioned Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court for issuing Writ of Possession Conferring Title on the Defendant in Suit No YBS/HC/NNR/1cv/2020 when there was no subsisting judgement of any court to enable His Lordship issue the Writ.

    The NJC said that the council at the meeting considered two reports of its two Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees that filtered 35 petitions written against judges of the Federal and State High Courts and decided to empanel eight Committees to further investigate the petitions that were found meritorious by the Committees.

    It said that some petitions against various Judges were dismissed for lack of merit, evidence of misconduct, subjudice or that they were matters that could be appealed.

    The dismissed petitions were against Justices A. M. Liman, A. A. Okeke, D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court, S. B. Belgore, Bello Kawu both of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Justices O. A. Chijioke, A. E. Akeredolu and Kadi M. U. El-Mainari who sat on Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State, Justices Paulinus Aneke of High Court Enugu State and C. Anya of Abia State.

    Others are Justices M. A. Ikpambese and W. I. Kpochi both of Benue High Court, T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka Chief Judge and B. C. Iheka of Imo High Court, Rose Godwin Soji of Nasarawa  High Court, T. J. Yakubu, High Court Taraba , W. N. Danagogo and Chinwendu Nworgu, High Court Rivers State, C. C. Okaa, High Court Anambra State and Hon Justice Abdullahi Sulyman High Court, Kogi.

    It said the council also deliberated on the notification of retirements of three Judicial Officers including that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and notification of death of three Judges of the Federal and State Courts.

    Council also considered the recommendation of its Interview Committee on Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria and resolved to recommend 86 Judicial Officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal of States in Nigeria.

    They are 22 Justices of the Court of Appeal. They 6 Justices Kwahar Polycarp Terna, Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola, Eleojo Eneche, Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf, Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, Abdu Dogo, Fadawu Umaru, Ishaq Mohammed Sani, Zainab Bage Abubakar, Abdulazeez M.  Anka and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba.

    Others are Justices Nwoye  Tochukwu, Nwabunkeonye Onwosi, Okorowe Uwaezuok, Ngozika Okaisabor, Ntong Festus Ntong, Nehizena Afolabi, Nyesom-Wike Suzzette, Babajide Lawal-Akapo, Akinyemi Abiodun Azeem, Oyewumi Oyebiola, Olukayode Adeniyi.

    The 12 judges for High Court, FCT are Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo, Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi, Anumaenwe Godwin Iheabunike, Odo Celestine Obinna, Hauwa Lawal Gummi.

    Others are Abdurahman Usman, Buetnaan Mandy Bassi, Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh, Maryan Iye Yusuf, Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria, Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike and Munirat Ibrahim Tanko.

    Seven judges for Imo State High Court are Akowundu Cletus Ndubuisi, Uchenna Mary Njoku,
    Chibuogwu Ojiugo Chukwumaeze, Ononogbo Chidi Linus, Adaego Peace Nosiri, Emeka Ozoma Orafu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie.

    Six Judges for Bauchi State High Court are Amin Umar Ilelah, Aliyu Bin Idris, Ahmed Shuaibu Ningi, Shafa’u Ladan Yusuf, Abdussalam Idris Waziri and Kawu A. Yerima.

    Three Justices for Taraba State High Court are Hamidu Audu, Bibonga Jeniffer Nauma, Joel Daniel Ubandoma.

    The thirteen Judges for Lagos State High Court are Sunmonu Tunde Bashiru, Azeez Fimisola Augusta, Alebiosu Olawale Lawal, Adewale Russel Musiliu, Popoola Oluwatosin Ajose, Anjorin-Ajose Tanimola Abdulwaheed and Muyideen Abdul-Raheem Tejumade.

    Others are George Alfred Akingbola, Balogun Adegboyega Ganiu, Shonubi Adenike Kudirat, Badejo-Okusanya Yewande Jokotola, Layinka Oyeladun Amope and Ojuromi Nalirat Olayinka Oluwatosin.

    Four Judges for Kogi State High Court are Ajesola Joseph Sunday, Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Kadiri Badama and Ezema Beatrice Ada.

    Two judges for Jigawa State High Court are Mohammad El-Usman and Nilfa Abdullahi Gambo.

    Five Kadis for Sharia Court of Appeal Bauchi State are Ishaku Magaji, Abdurrahman Hassan Sabo, Bello Mohammed Sambowal, Muhyiddeen Mohammed and Mahmoud Idris Shehu Tiyin.

    Five Kadis for Sharia Court of Appeal, Kogi State are Muhammad Muhammad Bello, Okino Isah Saidu, Yakubu Adavenge Abbas, Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu and Idris Alhaji Abdullahi.

    One Kadi for Sharia Court of Appeal Jigawa is Mukhtar  Adam.

    Three Judges for Imo State Customary Court of Appeal are Everyman Ezenna Eleanya, Ofoha Sylvesta Uchenna and Ibeh Rosemond Oluchi.

    Two Judges for Customary Court of Appeal, Taraba are Esther Tata and Benjamin Samuila Bawage.

    One judge for the Customary Court of Kogi State is Maryann Oziohu Otaru.

    The NJC however, added that the recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after the approval of the NJC recommendations to the President and their respective State Governors.

  • Akpabio seeks end to misuse of ex parte order by judges

    Akpabio seeks end to misuse of ex parte order by judges

    Senate President, Godswill Akpiabio on Wednesday called on the authorities of the nation’s judicial to stop the misuse of ex parte orders especially in political cases by judges.

    Akpiabio said this in a speech entitled, “Repositioning the Justice System, Constitutional, Statutory and Operational Reforms for Access and Efficiency” at the National Summit on Justice in Abuja.

    He said it was imperative for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to exercises stringent oversight to curb the misuse of ex parte order.

    “We recommend prompt and decisive punishment for erring judges who are found to be involved in this abuse.

    “We further propose that the NJC establish clear and detailed standards governing the issuance of ex parte orders, accompanied by a defined set of sanctions for violations.

    “These sanctions should be severe enough to deter people from future abuses.

    “We recommend that the NJC should conduct regular audits and reviews of ex-parte orders issued by judges to ensure compliance with established standards,” he said.

    He said the proactive approach would help in identifying patterns of abuse early and in administering corrective measures promptly.

    He also emphasised the importance of the ongoing training and education for Judges on the ethical and responsible use of judicial discretion in issuing ex parte orders.

    Akpabio also called for a reform on the approach to interlocutory appeals in civil cases, saying that current appeals often cause unnecessary delays, prolong litigation and burden to the courts.

    “As was done in the criminal jurisprudence during the enactment of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, we propose that all appeals in civil cases should be taken only after the conclusion of the substantive case.

    “This change will accelerate judicial processes, reduce backlog, and ensure that litigations are not unduly prolonged by intermediate appeals.

    “Another area requiring urgent reform is the process of obtaining the Attorney General’s consent before executing judgments.

    “This requirement often acts as a bottleneck, delaying justice and undermining the autonomy of our judicial system.

    “We propose modifying this requirement to facilitate a swifter execution of judgments, thereby enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our justice system,” he said.

    Akpabio said the reforms of this nature fosters trust in the justice system and improve the overall efficiency of legal proceedings involving the government.

    He said the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment and the Committee on Amendment of the Electoral Act were working to ensure that the transformative justice reforms were seamlessly integrated into the ongoing amendments.

    “This integration will not only fortify our constitution and electoral framework, but will also ensure that justice both in letter and in spirit becomes more attainable for every Nigerian.

    ”The national Assembly is not unaware of the delays and backlogs plaguing the courts, adding that the issues make justice to be seen as inaccessible and inefficient,” Akpabio said.

    He said the national assembly was committed to budgeting for implementation of judicial reforms that would include the adoption of digital tools to manage cases more effectively and ensure that justice was neither delayed nor denied.

    He called on all stakeholders, including the legislative, executive and the judiciary to support the vital reforms.

    “Together, we can build a justice system that is fit for the 21st century,”Akpabio said.

    He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) as the Minister of Justice, describing Fagbemi as `the right man for the job’.

    He also expressed gratitude to the leadership of Nigerian Bar Association, the National Judicial Council headed by Justice Olukayode Ariwwoola for their relentless dedication and collaboration.

    Akpabio said the steps toward reforming the justice system required unwavering commitment and concerted efforts to ensure realisation of the vision of enhancing justice delivery and constant upholding of the rule of law in Nigeria.

  • It’s sad that 17years after, Judges are still earning same salaries in Nigeria -Retiring Justice Ndukwe-Anyanwu

    It’s sad that 17years after, Judges are still earning same salaries in Nigeria -Retiring Justice Ndukwe-Anyanwu

    …there are judges who relocated from Asokoro to remote areas like Nyanya, Lugbe in Abuja

    …Govt refused to build houses for us

    Retiring Justice of the Court of Appeal, Uzo Ndukwe-Anyanwu, JCA, OFR has said that judges salaries were last reviewed in 2007.

    Ndukwe-Anyanwu made this disclosure to journalists in Abuja as her valedictory session is billed for this week in Enugu where she started her career from as a Legal Officer.

    Ndukwe-Anyanwu is one of the very few judges in Nigeria who rose through the ranks from being a Deputy Chief Registrar, DCR, to the pinnacle of her chosen profession.

    On experience on the job as a judge, she simply said: “This our job is not an easy job because sometimes you say did I do the right thing? You will be battling with yourself, is this the right thing? You know these politicians can be terrible. 

    “They want so many things; you need the fear of God to be able to see yourself through the woods, they do so many things, they are so conniving and fraudulent you know.

    “So sometimes you are even worried, you are not sure you are doing the right thing, not that you want to do anything wrong but you are not sure what these people are saying but I can tell you it is not an easy job.

    On the welfare of judges, she said “judges are not being fairly treated in this country, do you know that some judges relocated from their official quarters in Maitama and Asokoro to remote areas like Lugbe, Nyanya after living in high brow areas.

    “I have to be honest with you, government has not been fair to judges because the last time our salaries was reviewed was in 2007 and now imagine cost of living in Nigeria, how do you expect judges to cope,” she wondered.

    “When we asked government to build houses for us they refused and you expect judges to deliver judgements without bias, when their welfare is not paramount in the eyes of government.

    “You know you can’t have the money to build a house, you are a civil servant you can’t, you are just building, one year one block and you won’t be ashamed, for me I am never ashamed. I said even if you don’t finish pack in.

    “When I packed into this house, it wasn’t finished, you know what I used to tell people, shebi it is my house, it is when I am going into a rented house, if they don’t finish I won’t pack in but because it is my own, I am doing one room at a time.

    On the last general elections, she simply said” it was a terrible experience and that’s a matter for another day.

    “My book is in the mill and that will be adequately captured there.

  • Do not kill yourself on the job – Lagos CJ advises judges

    Do not kill yourself on the job – Lagos CJ advises judges

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has advised judges not to die on the job, but retire if they can no longer do well on the bench.

    Alogba gave the advice at the public presentation of book written by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) in Ikeja on Wednesday.

    The book titled: The Supreme Court of a Nigeria; History, Establishment, Jurists and Speeches, was co-authored by Mr Abdulrasheed Ibrahim.

    Alogba said that judges should retire from the bench if they were no longer in good health.

    According to him, regardless of the retirement age, judges should be able to eat the fruits of their labour.

    He said: “When it comes to a time until death do you and service part, I do not agree.

    “You must access yourself when you are tired, do not wait, please go home and rest.

    “There is nothing you want to do again which you could not have done on the bench, before you got to the stage of being tired, if you are really interested in the work.

    “You do not need to die and have a valedictory for you, so retire if you are no longer in good health.”

    The chief judge said that the issue of retirement age should be an individual thing.

    According to him, good health is by God’s grace and they should retire when they no longer have it.

    He said though the retirement benefit might be peanut, he did not think any judge who had been in practice for quite some time before coming to the bench, would be a poor man.

    “Ostentation apart, but to live a simple, quiet and reasonably comfortable life, any judge who has spent 10 to 15 years on the bench,  should be able to do that.

    “So why do you want to kill yourself on the job and then people will just collect your benefit after you have died?

    “The law has spoken, speak for yourself and assess if you are mentally and physically capable of going on with the work but if your answer is no, go back home,” the chief judge said.

  • Osun Assembly passes bill extending judges’ retirement age to 70

    Osun Assembly passes bill extending judges’ retirement age to 70

    Osun House of Assembly,  on Tuesday, passed a bill extending the retirement age of judges and other judicial officers from 65 to 70 years.

    The bill is entitled: “Osun State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal Registrars, Secretary to the State Judicial Council, State Counsels in the Ministry of Justice, State Magistrates and District Customary Courts’ Presidents Retirement Age Bill, 2023.”

    The bill was passed during the plenary session, held at the assembly complex in Osogbo, after passing the third reading.

    Speaker of the assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, said that the final copy of the bill would be produced and forwarded to the Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, for his assent.

    Egbedun expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the conduct of the 2024 budget presentation and defence by various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state.

    NAN reports that the budget defence exercise, which lasted for 11 days, saw 90 MDAs appearing before the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, chaired by Mr Saheed Fatunmise.

    The last set of MDAs that appeared before the committee on Monday included: Osun Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Osun East, Osun West and Osun Central Education District Offices.

    Others were: Osun Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Osun Tourism Board and Osun Council for Arts and Culture