The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken significant action against judicial misconduct, with one of the most notable cases involving Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, who has been suspended for one year without pay.
Justice Ekwo, who is believed to have a very close relationship with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has faced heavy scrutiny due to his alleged bias in several rulings. His connection to Wike is believed to have influenced decisions that favored the FCT minister, raising concerns about judicial impartiality. This perception of undue influence has only heightened the controversy surrounding his conduct.
The specific misconduct that led to Justice Ekwo’s suspension arose from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021. In this case, he delivered a ruling on a pending application without hearing from all the parties involved. Despite an application to set aside the proceedings conducted in the absence of the parties, Justice Ekwo went ahead and dismissed charges against the defendants. His actions were found to be in violation of Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
In addition to the one-year suspension, Justice Ekwo has been placed on the NJC’s Watch List and barred from being elevated to a higher position for five years, underscoring the seriousness of the misconduct.
Meanwhile, Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was also suspended for one year without pay for judicial misconduct involving improper ex parte orders in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023 at the Federal High Court, Uyo Judicial Division.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, was also suspended for one year without pay for similar misconduct.
Additionally, the NJC has directed Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to reverse the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of the state, emphasizing the constitutional requirement that the most senior judicial officer in the Imo State High Court’s hierarchy must hold the position of acting Chief Judge.
