Three Judges Suspended for Misconduct by National Judicial Council

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay due to various misconducts. These include unlawfully detaining people, abusing their judicial powers, and ignoring proper legal processes.

The NJC made this decision during its 112th meeting on November 3, 2026, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The judges suspended 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 following the correct legal procedures. She was also barred from being nominated for a higher position for three years, as her actions violated the litigant’s right to a fair hearing.

Grand Kadi Salihu faced suspension for improperly reopening a judgment that had already been decided by another court. He overstepped his authority by forming a committee to review the judgment and allowing a new judge to hear fresh evidence.

Justice Biambo was sanctioned for ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing fines without following the required legal processes. Both Salihu and Biambo were also barred from elevation for three years.

Additionally, the NJC cautioned other judges for their handling of various cases, including Justice Kayode Agunloye for granting a court order that conflicted with previous actions in a case involving First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Other judges received warnings for similar issues, indicating a broader concern about judicial conduct.