Three judges to face NJC probe panel over conflicting ex parte orders

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up a panel to investigate three high court judges for issuing conflicting ex parte orders.

In recent weeks, conflicting orders on issues bordering on the leadership crisis affecting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and matters relating to candidates for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November, were issued by different judges.

Ibrahim Muhammad, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), after quizzing seven chief judges on September 6, directed the NJC to set up a panel to probe three judges.

The names of the three judges were, however, not disclosed.

In a statement on Friday, Soji Oye, NJC director of information, said the judges are to appear before the panel to “show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for such act”.

Oye also said the “council resolved to set up a medical board in order ascertain the health status of Hon. Justice Amina Yaroson of Kaduna State customary court of appeal”.

“Council also considered the reports of its investigation committee and decided to issue a warning letter to Hon. Justice Sobere Biambo of the high court of Rivers State for descending into the arena of conflict in a matrimonial suit No: OHC/IMC/2018,” the statement reads.

“Council at its plenary considered the reports of the two preliminary complaints assessment committees (PCAC) on the petitions written against 18 judicial officers and on the recommendation of the committee, issued a letter of advice to Hon. Justice Elias O. Abua of Cross River State high court to in future be wary of granting an order staying the execution of judgement which appeared executory in nature as the one he granted in Suit No. HC/MSC/67/2019.

“Council, however, dismissed the petitions written against Hon. Justices I.E. Ekwu and Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Justices O.O. Ogunjobi, S.B.A. Candide-Johnson and S.A. Onigbanjo of High Court of Lagos State, Hon. Justices Chiwendu Nwogu, S.C. Amadi and A.U. Kingsley-Chuku, for either lacking in merit, subjudice or statute-barred.

“Other petitions dismissed for the same reasons were those written against Hon. Justice I.K. Banu, chief judge of Adamawa; Hon. Justice A.L. Lagre, president, customary court of appeal, Adamawa; Justice Felibus B. Andetur, chief judge, Taraba State; Hon. Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi of Ondo State high court; Hon. Justice Nse Emeka Daniel of Akwa Ibom State high court and Justice H.T.D. Gwadah of Kaduna State high court.

“Council however decided not to consider the petition written against Hon. Justice I.U. Bello as he had already retired from service.

“The plenary of the council also considered the report of the interview committee and agreed to recommend 12 candidates as heads of court, 18 candidates as high court judges, 6 candidates as Kadis of Sharia courts of appeal and one candidate as customary court of appeal judge.”