NJC Suspends Three Judges and Issues Warnings to Eight Others for Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay due to misconduct. The council also cautioned eight other judges for various issues, including improper detention of litigants and abuse of power. These decisions were made during the NJC’s 112th meeting on November 3, 2026.

The suspended judges are Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir from the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu from the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, and Justice Sobere Biambo from the Rivers State High Court. Justice Kabir was suspended for detaining a litigant for 58 days without proper legal procedures, violating the right to a fair hearing. Grand Kadi Salihu was found to have improperly reopened a judgment, which was deemed an appeal against a valid court decision. Justice Biambo faced suspension for unlawfully arresting litigants and imposing heavy fines without following due process.

In addition to the suspensions, the NJC issued warnings to several judges for their handling of cases. Justice Kayode Agunloye received a caution for mishandling a financial case involving First Bank of Nigeria. Other judges were warned for delivering judgments outside the required time frame or making decisions despite ongoing appeals.

The NJC reviewed 35 complaints against judges, dismissing 24 for lack of merit and recommending further investigation into four cases. The council also recommended 28 candidates for judicial appointments across various states and approved retirement notifications for six judges, including two from the Supreme Court.

The NJC expressed condolences for the deaths of nine judicial officers that occurred between May and September 2026.