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BREAKING: NJC Suspends 3 Judges For One Year Without Pay Over Misconduct
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has handed down tough sanctions against 17 judicial officers, suspending three senior judges for one year without pay for abuse of office, unlawful detention and disregard for due process.
The decisions were taken at the Council’s 112th meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a sweeping disciplinary action, the Council also cautioned eight officers, issued warning letters to three judges, placed six on its Watch List, dismissed 24 petitions and cleared 28 candidates for judicial appointments.
Why The 3 Judges Were Suspended
1. Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir – Nasarawa High Court
Justice Kabir was found guilty of ordering the arrest and detention of a litigant for 58 days over alleged disobedience of a court order.
The NJC said she did not initiate proper contempt proceedings and failed to serve the mandatory Forms 48 and 49, a clear violation of the litigant’s right to fair hearing.
She was also barred from nomination for elevation for three years.
2. Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu – Jigawa Sharia Court of Appeal
Grand Kadi Salihu was sanctioned for reopening a judgment already delivered by the FCT Upper Area Court.
Investigations showed he went beyond his powers by setting up a committee to review the judgment and assigning the case to another judge who took fresh evidence and delivered a new judgment.
The Council described it as an appeal against a valid judgment, contrary to Rule 3.3.1 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, 2016.
3. Justice Sobere Biambo – Rivers High Court
Justice Biambo was suspended for ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing N300,000 fine on each of them in a civil dispute without proper contempt proceedings.
Like Kabir, he was also barred from nomination for elevation for three years.
Others Cautioned
Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court got a warning letter and was placed on the Watch List for granting interim bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, despite a subsisting remand order.
Justice Kayode Agunloye, also of the FCT High Court, was cautioned over his handling of post-judgment garnishee proceedings in a suit involving First Bank of Nigeria Plc.
The NJC said the sanctions show its resolve to enforce discipline, accountability and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
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