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CJN Warns NBA Against Baseless Petitions Targeting Judges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 1st, 2025.

CJN Warns NBA Against Baseless Petitions Targeting Judges

KUDIRAT KEKERE-EKUN, CJN

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a strong warning to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urging it to refrain from filing unfounded petitions against members of the judiciary.

In a statement released on Tuesday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN voiced concern over a growing trend of unsubstantiated allegations—especially those accusing judges of corruption—which she described as largely frivolous and intended to intimidate.

Speaking in response to appeals from members of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum seeking better safeguards for judicial officers, Justice Kekere-Ekun called on legal practitioners to uphold the dignity of the judiciary instead of undermining it.

She pointed out that many judges suffer undue emotional strain during investigations that ultimately reveal no misconduct, emphasizing that legitimate complaints should be properly routed to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The CJN stated, “Accusations of corruption against judges must be backed with solid, credible evidence.” She also expressed dismay at the NBA’s lack of response when baseless claims are circulated and condemned the practice of lawyers criticizing judicial decisions on television without reviewing the judgments themselves.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged senior lawyers to take an active role in mentoring junior colleagues, promoting ethics, and encouraging professionalism within the legal field.

Echoing her concerns, the Chairman of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum, Richard Ahonaruogho, recommended that the NJC implement a more rigorous screening process to eliminate meritless petitions. He also proposed imposing penalties for frivolous submissions as a deterrent and called for closer collaboration between the Bar and the Bench to strengthen mutual respect.