The National Judicial Council (NJC) has launched a preliminary review into a misconduct petition filed against Justice B.T. Ebuta of the Cross River State High Court.

NJC Chairman and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, confirmed that the matter was receiving due attention in an acknowledgement letter dated April 10, 2025 (Ref. No. NJC/S.4/ANA.HC/7/11/24).

The complaint, lodged by Ntoe Paul Assim Ita, clan head of Nkonib Ikot Ansa Qua Clan in Calabar Municipality, accused Justice Ebuta of abuse of office and conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer.

The controversy stems from Justice Ebuta’s involvement in Suit No. HC/86/2024, a land dispute where Ntoe Ita was named as a defendant.

He contends that the judge should have recused himself due to a prior association with the case and personal interests that could compromise impartiality.

According to Ita, Justice Ebuta had previously acknowledged his inability to adjudicate on a related matter—Suit No. HC/147/2022 yet proceeded to handle HC/86/2024 despite similar circumstances.

Ita alleged that the judge has personal ties to one of the claimants, including allegedly accepting land gifts connected to the disputed property.

He maintained that these connections compromise the integrity of the proceedings and that his requests for a transfer to another judge were unjustly opposed.

In his petition dated March 14, 2024, Ita urged the NJC to investigate the judge’s actions and ensure judicial accountability.

He expressed confidence in the NJC’s leadership to uphold fairness and the rule of law.