The National Judicial Council has suspended three judges for one year without pay due to various instances of judicial misconduct, including unlawful detention of litigants, reopening previously concluded cases, and imposing fines without due process.
At its 112th meeting on 3 November 2026, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the council also prevented two judges from being promoted for three years and issued warnings to six others for breaches of conduct.
The suspensions involve 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. Justice Kabir was found to have unlawfully detained a litigant for 58 days without proper contempt proceedings, violating the individual’s right to a fair hearing.
Grand Kadi Salihu was sanctioned for reopening a judgment from the FCT Upper Area Court without authority, while Justice Biambo faced suspension for issuing bench warrants and fines against litigants in a civil dispute without following due process, each involving fines of N300,000.
Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court received a caution for incorrectly granting bail to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami despite an existing remand order. The NJC also issued warnings to Justices Danjuma Oyigbenu and Isa Ebini Kana of the Nasarawa State High Court for failing to deliver a judgment within the constitutional timeframe of 90 days.
Additionally, cautions were issued to several judges, including Justice Mohammed Zubairu for overlooking an existing appeal and Justice C. A. Ogbuagor for disregarding fair hearing procedures despite a pending appeal.
The council has recommended 28 candidates for judicial positions across five states and the Federal Capital Territory, urging prompt swearing-in by state governors. Imo State’s Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, has also been added to the shortlist for Chief Judge consideration following a petition concerning her earlier exclusion.
