The National Judicial Council (NJC) has made the decision to dismiss petitions filed against retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Ekaego Peter Odili and 25 other Judicial Officers in Nigeria. These petitions alleged professional misconduct during the discharge of their duties.
Justice Odili was exempted from investigation as she had retired from her position, while the remaining 25 petitions were discarded for reasons such as lack of merit, lack of diligent prosecution, withdrawal, subjudice concerns, and retirement of the subject Judge.
However, seven State High Court Judges who were indicted by the NJC’s investigation committee will face probe panels to ascertain their level of culpability.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, presided over the meeting where the NJC dismissed the petitions. The dismissed petitions were against various judicial officers, including retired Justice Mary Peter Odili of the Supreme Court, Justices from the Court of Appeal, and Judges from the Federal High Court and State High Courts.
The NJC also announced a new policy prohibiting Judicial Officers from switching between the High Court of Justice and the Customary Court of Appeal, except in cases where a new Customary Court of Appeal is established in a State. In such cases, Judges who express interest in joining the Customary Court of Appeal will be allowed to do so.
Furthermore, the NJC has recommended 37 Judicial Officers for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal, Heads of Court, and Judges of the High Court and Customary Courts of Appeal. The recommended appointments will be made by the President and seven Governors. Notable among the recommendations are Justices Asma’u Musa Mainoma, Paul Ahmed Bassi, Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun, Binta Fatima Zubair, and Dije Abdu Aboki, who is recommended for appointment as Chief Judge of Kano.