NJC sacks Adamawa judge, probes 25 others

The National Judicial Commission (NJC) says it has set up a committee to investigate allegations leveled against some Judges by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC).

The NJC also announced the sack of Justice Michael Goji of the High Court of Adamawa State for refusing to proceed on transfer to the Mubi Judicial Division of the State High Court since July, 2017.

These were made known in a statement on Thursday by director of information to the National Judicial Council Mr Soji Oye.

Last year the EFCC reportedly raised petitions against some judges that were under investigation following a judgement of the Lagos division of the Court of Appeal that law enforcement agencies do not have the right to investigate or prosecute serving Judges until they are disciplined by the council.

In a statement on Thursday, Oye said that the EFCC petitions and others sent against other judges are to be investigated by a seven man panel of the council.

Read also: Ex-Gov Oyinlola dumps APC, resigns appointment

This decision was taken by the NJC at its 86th meeting which held on the 8th and 9th of May 2018 under the chairmanship of Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of the Nigeria.

Justice Paul Galinje of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and ten other judges were cleared of separate allegations of misconduct leveled against them by the NJC.

Amongst the cleared judges were Chief Judges of three states – Justice Aminu Ringim (Jigawa), Justice Peter Umeadi (Enugu), and Taminu Zailani, Chief Judge (Kaduna).

In the meeting, the NJC advised the immediate retirement of the the Adamawa state High Court Judge, Justice Goji. This advice was given to the state Governor Jibrila Bindow.

The NJC placed Justice Goji on suspension “for refusing to proceed on transfer to the Mubi Judicial Division of the State High Court since July 2017.” while the council awaits the approval of the governor.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now