The National Judicial Council (NJC), under Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is reportedly finalizing new rules to strengthen the dismissal process for judges involved in repeated misconduct.
Sources revealed that instead of multiple suspensions, judges caught in serial violations may now face outright removal from the Bench. “Every lawful path will be taken to rid judiciary of the few bad eggs…,” said NJC spokesperson Kemi Ogedengbe, emphasizing the council’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the judicial system.
The council is currently examining nearly 100 petitions against judicial officers through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees (PCAC). Three PCAC panels, led by retired Justices Mary Odili, Bode Rhodes-Vivour, and A.B. Yahaya, are handling over 30 petitions each. Once preliminary investigations establish a prima facie case, trial panels will determine the appropriate sanctions, which are likely to be reviewed upward by the council for stricter enforcement.
Under the proposed reforms, judges who previously returned to duty after multiple suspensions may now face immediate dismissal for repeated infractions. A top source noted, “Those judges who misconduct themselves because they think they can always return to the Bench may be unpleasantly surprised. This CJN means business but not the usual kind of business.” The new rules are expected to take effect next year, with the council aiming to enhance accountability and public confidence in the judiciary.