NJC Suspends Three Judges, Sanctions Eight Others Over Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has sanctioned 11 judicial officers across Nigeria over alleged misconduct, abuse of judicial powers and violations of court procedures.

The decision was taken at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

Three judges were suspended for one year without pay, while eight others received warnings, cautions or were placed under close monitoring.

The suspended officers are Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal and Justice Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court.

According to the NJC, Kabir was sanctioned for ordering the detention of a litigant for 58 days without following the required contempt proceedings. Salihu was found to have exceeded his judicial authority by reopening a concluded case, while Biambo was sanctioned for issuing arrest warrants and imposing fines in a civil dispute without due process.

Other judges cautioned include Justice Bello Kawu and Justice Kayode Agunloye of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, alongside judicial officers from Nasarawa, Enugu and Imo states.

The council also reviewed 35 petitions, dismissing 24 for lack of merit, recommending four for further investigation and suspending consideration of one because it was before the court.

The NJC said the disciplinary measures were aimed at promoting accountability, judicial integrity and adherence to established legal procedures.