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Reasons NJC probes Court of Appeal President, 8 other judges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 17th, 2024.

Reasons NJC probes Court of Appeal President, 8 other judges

Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice

The National Judicial Council (NJC), led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has decided to issue a cautionary letter to Hon. Justice Olusegun Muniru Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court. The letter advises him to exercise caution in his role as a judicial officer, even in difficult circumstances.

This decision was made during the NJC’s 106th meeting held on August 14 and 15, 2024. The Council reviewed a report from a committee it established and instructed the committee to summon Hon. Justice Olagunju to address concerns over his unprofessional language in a letter challenging the Council’s policies on the appointment of the President of the Court of the Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.

According to a statement from Soji Oye, NJC’s Director of Information, the Council also reviewed the findings of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee regarding 22 petitions against 27 judicial officers from Federal and State High Courts. Four committees were formed to investigate the petitions deemed valid, while 18 petitions were dismissed due to lack of merit, abandonment, or being subjudice.

Among those dismissed were petitions against several Justices including Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, and other members of the Court of Appeal. The dismissed petitions also involved Justices from the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court, and various State High Courts.

The Council also evaluated the performance of 215 judges from Superior Courts, issuing letters of commendation, appreciation, or criticism based on their performance. Additionally, five judges were placed on a pre-sanction watchlist for poor performance, with potential recommendations for sanctions if their performance does not improve.

During the meeting, Chief Justice Ariwoola, marking his final session before retirement, expressed gratitude for the support from Council members and staff. The Council members also paid tribute to the outgoing CJN, wishing him well in retirement.