Nigeria's top judicial body has handed down stiff penalties against two judges found guilty of misconduct. The National Judicial Council suspended them for one year without pay.
Ibrahim D. Shekarau faced sanction for granting an ex parte order improperly.
The council found he'd acted in bad faith and breached due process standards.
According to the NJC, Shekarau also "demonstrated a lack of professional competence" in his ruling. His suspension takes effect immediately.
Edward A. E.
Okpe received the same punishment for different reasons. He'd granted an ex parte application that led to committal proceedings without hearing the petitioner's side.
The council said Okpe failed to afford the man an opportunity to be heard. Both judges will lose all salary and benefits during the suspension period.
These disciplinary actions came during the NJC's 111th meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun chaired the session.
Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the council's Deputy Director of Information, disclosed the decisions in a statement. She outlined several other major judicial appointments approved that day.
Twelve new justices got recommended for positions at the Court of Appeal. The NJC said these appointments would strengthen the judiciary's capacity.
Christine T. Clement Ende earned recommendation as a Benue State High Court judge.
Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were tapped as Kadis for Katsina's Sharia Court of Appeal.
Nine other judicial officers made the promotion list for appellate court positions. Among them were Yakubu Abdulhammeed Mohammed and Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde.
Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, and Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor also got recommended. The council said vacancies had opened due to retirements and elevations across the system.
James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite were likewise recommended for promotion. Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, and Enikuomehin Ademola rounded out the list.
Julcit Veronica Dadom completed the group of successful candidates. All recommendations would help fill gaps in various court levels nationwide.
On other matters, the council dismissed a significant batch of petitions against judges. It rejected 73 complaints for lack of merit or being time-barred.
Eleven other petitions went forward for deeper investigation. Officials said this reflected a thorough review process.
Ijeoma O. Agugua's tenure as Imo's Acting Chief Judge was extended three more months.
The council needed more time to complete the process for appointing her permanent successor.
One judicial officer earned commendation for ethical behaviour. The NJC praised Ononeze-Madu for declining swearing-in that would've violated constitutional procedure.
Eight Imo judges saw their appeals rejected after compulsory retirement for age falsification. They'd failed to present convincing new evidence, the council ruled.
However, T. I.
Nze got his position back after submitting fresh evidence. His reinstatement showed the council considers each case on its merits.
Nine judges received commendation for exemplary work in the 2024 and 2025 legal years. The council also issued 256 letters addressing performance matters with other judicial officers.
