The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended two judicial officers for one year without pay over misconduct and issued queries to 256 judges over performance-related concerns as part of efforts to reinforce discipline, accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s judiciary.
The decisions were taken during the Council’s 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a series of administrative and disciplinary resolutions, the NJC also recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to fill vacancies created by retirements and elevations. It further endorsed the appointment of one judge for the Benue State High Court and two Kadis for the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal to strengthen justice delivery in the affected jurisdictions.
The Council renewed the appointment of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for an additional three months, allowing more time for the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge to be concluded.
It also reinstated Justice T. N. Nze of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal after reviewing fresh evidence submitted in his case.
However, the NJC declined appeals by eight judges of the Imo State Judiciary who were compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification. The Council ruled that the appellants failed to present new evidence capable of overturning its earlier disciplinary decision.
As part of its periodic performance review, the Council recognised nine judges for exceptional productivity on the bench. Two judges will receive formal commendations for delivering more than 21 considered judgments during the assessment period, while seven others will be issued letters of appreciation for their outstanding judicial performance.
The Council also approved the retirement of three judicial officers, comprising two Justices of the Court of Appeal and a judge of the Zamfara State High Court, and expressed gratitude for their years of service to the judiciary.
In addition, the NJC paid tribute to three judicial officers who died between December 2025 and April 2026, describing their contributions to the administration of justice as significant and enduring.
Reaffirming its commitment to judicial integrity, the Council said the latest disciplinary and administrative actions underscore its resolve to uphold professionalism, improve institutional efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s courts.
