News
NJC launches secret probe into top Nigerian judges
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has reportedly commenced a discreet investigation into some of Nigeria’s top judicial officers, including heads of courts, following a surge of serious petitions against senior members of the bench.
The NJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is constitutionally empowered to oversee the appointment, promotion and discipline of judicial officers. The 24-member body derives its authority from Paragraph 20 of Part One of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Sources familiar with the development said the probe was triggered by “serious and disturbing petitions” alleging misconduct, forgery, false asset declarations and age falsification against unnamed judges.
According to one insider, one of the allegations is considered particularly grave, prompting the CJN to order an urgent investigation aimed at identifying those responsible and restoring public confidence in the judiciary. The inquiry is said to be shrouded in confidentiality, with only a few members of the council aware of its details.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation were unsuccessful. Tobi Soniyi, Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, reportedly referred enquiries to the NJC, while the council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said she was unaware of the investigation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who assumed office as acting CJN in August 2024, has repeatedly expressed concern over declining public trust in the judiciary. At the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year in September 2025, she pledged reforms focused on transparency, judicial excellence and improved justice delivery.
Since her assumption of office, the NJC has taken disciplinary measures against several judges. In November 2024, two judges were compulsorily retired, two suspended for two years, and another formally warned. Investigative panels were also established to examine additional allegations.
In June 2025, the council reportedly retired 10 judges, cautioned five others, and barred a National Industrial Court judge from promotion for three years.
The latest probe underscores the NJC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary.
Follow Us on Google Discover
SSANU halts two-week strike ultimatum after FG’s intervention
Catholic priest dies after Jesus’ statue falls on him during mass in Ecuador (video)
2027: NDC will never step down for Atiku, stop attacking us – Kwankwaso replies ADC Campaign Council
I fear APC’s internal crisis more than Atiku – Shettima
Why Shettima Insults Atiku: by Farooq Kperogi
Messi’s double fires Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
La Liga: Unstoppable Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 to extend winning run
EPL: Super Eagles star Iwobi fires Fulham to first league victory
Ogun hospital under fire as Nurse dies of asthma attack amid alleged oxygen failure
Maryam Babangida Center for Women Devt gets first wheel chair ramp after 34 years
Shettima inaugurates Arewa for Asiwaju campaign office in Abuja
2027: ‘APM will beat Tinubu in 12 battleground states’ – Makinde’s campaign team
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates