Judiciary Under Fire: CJN Orders Investigation of Senior Judges
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Since taking office, the NJC has disciplined several judges. In November 2024, two judges were compulsorily retired, two others suspended for two years, and another formally warned. Investigative
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has launched a discreet investigation into some of Nigeria’s top judges, including court heads, insiders told Off hi
The NJC, which oversees the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial officers in Nigeria, is led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The 24-member council derives its authority from Paragraph 20 of Part One of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to sources, the probe was prompted by a surge of “serious and disturbing petitions” against unnamed senior judges. Allegations reportedly include misconduct, forgery, false asset declarations, and falsification of ages.
“One of the allegations is so grave that the CJN has ordered an urgent investigation to identify those responsible and restore public confidence in the judiciary,” a source said. The inquiry is being conducted in strict confidentiality and only a few NJC insiders are aware of the details.
Attempts to get official comments from the CJN’s office were unsuccessful. Tobi Soniyi, Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, referred queries to the NJC, while the NJC’s Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said she was not aware of the probe.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who became acting CJN in August 2024, has previously expressed concern about declining public confidence in the judiciary. During the 2025/2026 legal year opening in September 2025, she pledged reforms to promote transparency, judicial excellence, and effective administration of justice.
Since taking office, the NJC has disciplined several judges. In November 2024, two judges were compulsorily retired, two others suspended for two years, and another formally warned. Investigative committees were also set up to examine allegations against other judges.
In June 2025, 10 judges were retired, five cautioned, and a National Industrial Court judge barred from promotion for three years. ⁶
The latest probe is part of ongoing efforts by the NJC to strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s judiciary.
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