Fresh tension is reportedly building within Nigeria’s judiciary as the National Judicial Council (NJC) has commenced a discreet but extensive investigation into some highly placed judicial officers, including heads of courts.
The NJC, the constitutional body responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial officers, is said to have initiated the probe following multiple petitions alleging serious misconduct against unnamed senior judges.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the 24-member council, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, triggered the inquiry after receiving what were described as “disturbing and weighty” allegations.
According to insiders, the investigation—reportedly being handled with strict confidentiality—includes claims of misconduct, document forgery, age falsification, and false asset declarations.
One source stated that the gravity of the allegations prompted the Chief Justice to order an urgent internal process aimed at identifying culpable individuals and strengthening institutional integrity within the judiciary.
Officials who spoke on the matter declined to reveal the identities of the judges involved or the petitioners, citing confidentiality and lack of authorisation to discuss the case publicly.
When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, Tobi Soniyi, said he had not been briefed on the issue and referred enquiries to the council. Similarly, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said she was unaware of the reported investigation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun had earlier pledged reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and improved justice administration. During her swearing-in in 2024, she acknowledged declining public confidence in the judiciary and promised corrective measures.
Since assuming office, the council has taken disciplinary actions against several judges. In November 2024, the NJC announced the compulsory retirement of two judges, suspended two others for two years, and issued formal warnings to another. Multiple investigative panels were also set up to examine further allegations.
In June 2025, the council approved the compulsory retirement of ten judges, cautioned five others, and barred a judge of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years.
The extent and outcome of the latest investigation remain unclear, but observers say the process could significantly impact ongoing efforts to restore public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system.
