Civil Society Organisation, Citizens’ Gavel, has called for stiffer penalties against judges found guilty of misconduct, saying the recent one-year suspension handed to three judicial officers by the National Judicial Council (NJC) does not reflect the gravity of their actions.
While commending the NJC for taking disciplinary measures against the judges, the organisation described the move as a step in the right direction.
Executive Director, Citizens Gavel, Nelson Olanipekun, in a statement, however, urged the Council to intensify its efforts to reform the judiciary by ensuring that serious misconduct attracts proportionate sanctions, including outright dismissal and disqualification from future judicial appointments.
At its 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025, the NJC suspended Justices Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division; and Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara State, for one year without pay over acts of judicial misconduct.
Olanipekun noted that while the decision signals a willingness to hold erring judges accountable, the leniency of the sanctions could erode public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to police itself.
According to him, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s push for zero tolerance of judicial misconduct, which was highlighted at the 2024 Judges’ Performance Conference, has propelled reforms, including digital case management, officer training, and more transparent disciplinary processes.
These steps, he said, align with best practices and echo recommendations submitted by the organisation to the CJN in September 2024.
“While this action is a step in the right direction, Citizens’ Gavel notes, in alignment with public concerns, that a one-year suspension falls short of the gravity of the offense, especially in a case like this where the judicial officers have exhibited sustained impunity and disregard for due process.
“Citizens’ Gavel therefore calls on the NJC to not only sustain but intensify its accountability efforts by revising disciplinary guidelines to ensure that egregious misconduct attracts proportionate sanctions, including dismissal and disqualification from future judicial appointments.
“Overhauling the appointment and promotion processes to prevent compromised officers from ascending to higher judicial offices.
“Strengthening whistleblower protections and creating more accessible, transparent channels for reporting judicial misconduct.
“Collaborating closely with civil society, the Nigerian Bar Association, and other stakeholders to design and implement systemic reforms that address the root causes of judicial compromise.
“We urge the Council to seize this moment to deliver transformative change. The integrity and independence of Nigeria’s judiciary depend on a firm commitment not just to discipline but to deep, structural reform,” the statement read.
