Justices Inyang, Ekwo, and Aliyu face one-year suspension without pay for issuing questionable rulings and breaching judicial ethics.
When the National Judicial Council (NJC) takes action against its own members, it sends ripples through Nigeria’s legal system—and beyond. At its 108th meeting in Abuja on April 29–30, 2025, the NJC not only voided an acting chief judge appointment in Imo State but also handed down one‑year suspensions without pay to three judges for serious breaches of the judicial code of conduct. This unprecedented move underscores the Council’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law. In this article, we’ll explore why the NJC suspended these judges, what each was accused of, and the broader implications for judicial integrity in Nigeria.
Judicial independence is vital—but so is judicial accountability. By disciplining sitting judges, the NJC:
- Reaffirms that no one is above the law.
- Sends a warning against abuse of office.
- Strengthens public confidence in the courts.
The NJC’s Decision at a Glance
At its 108th meeting chaired by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, the Council:
- Voided the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Imo State Acting Chief Judge.
- Suspended three judges for one year without pay.
- Ordered investigations into 27 other judges.
Who Was Suspended—and Why?
Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division
- Court: Court of Appeal, Uyo Division
- Misconduct: Issued ex parte orders at the Federal High Court, Uyo, leading to the premature sale of petrol stations and other businesses owned by Hon. Udeme Esset during interlocutory proceedings.
- Code Breached: Rule 3(5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, Federal High Court, Abuja Division
- Court: Federal High Court, Abuja Division
- Misconduct: Delivered a ruling on a pending application without hearing the parties and ignored an application to set aside proceedings conducted in their absence.
- Sanctions: One‑year suspension without pay; five‑year watch‑list; barred from elevation for five years.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu, Federal High Court, Zamfara Division
- Court: Federal High Court, Zamfara Division
- Misconduct: Breached Rules 3(1) and 3(5) of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers (specific acts not publicly detailed).
Lessons for the Judiciary and Beyond
- Uphold due process. Every party must be heard before decisions are rendered.
- Avoid ex parte excesses. Emergency orders cannot serve as cover for irreversible actions.
- Maintain professional ethics. Breaches carry real career costs—suspension, reputational damage, and stalled advancement.
The NJC’s one‑year suspensions of Justices Inyang, Ekwo, and Aliyu mark a robust stance against judicial impropriety. By enforcing its own code of conduct, the Council not only disciplines erring officers but also bolsters the integrity of Nigeria’s courts. As investigations into 27 more judges proceed, the message is clear: accountability and transparency are non‑negotiable in the pursuit of justice.
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