NJC suspends three judges over unlawful detention, abuse of power
- ✦Justice Biambo was sanctioned for “ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing fines of N300,000 each in a civil dispute without proper contempt proceedings or service of the prescribed forms.” Salihu and Biambo were “also barred from elevation for three years.” The Council cautioned Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court over his handling of “post-judgment garnishee proceedings in a suit involving First Bank of Nigeria Plc.” It found that he granted a fresh ex parte application for a Garnishee Order Nisi after an earlier similar application had been withdrawn and struck out, while other pending applications, including an application for stay of execution, were awaiting hearing.
- The suspended judicial officers are “Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal and Justice Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court.” Justice Kabir was suspended for “ordering the arrest and detention of a litigant for 58 days over alleged disobedience of a court order without initiating proper contempt proceedings or serving the mandatory Forms 48 and 49.” The Council also “barred her from nomination for elevation for three years,” holding that her action violated the litigant’s right to fair hearing.
- The Council also cautioned eight other judicial officers and approved warning letters to three judges following investigations into petitions concerning their handling of cases.
- Justice Biambo was sanctioned for “ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing fines of N300,000 each in a civil dispute without proper contempt proceedings or service of the prescribed forms.” Salihu and Biambo were “also barred from elevation for three years.” The Council cautioned Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court over his handling of “post-judgment garnishee proceedings in a suit involving First Bank of Nigeria Plc.” It found that he granted a fresh ex parte application for a Garnishee Order Nisi after an earlier similar application had been withdrawn and struck out, while other pending applications, including an application for stay of execution, were awaiting hearing.
The National Judicial Council has suspended three judges for one year without pay over unlawful detention, abuse of judicial powers, and disregard for due
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Kudirat Kekere-Ekun?
The suspended judicial officers are “Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal and Justice Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court.” Justice Kabir was suspended for “ordering the arrest and detention of a litigant for 58 days over alleged disobedience of a court order without initiating proper contempt proceedings or serving the mandatory Forms 48 and 49.” The Council also “barred her from nomination for elevation for three years,” holding that her action violated the litigant’s right to fair hearing.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
The primary parties identified in this coverage include Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Federal Capital Territory, First Bank of Nigeria.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
According to Channels TV on Wednesday, the decisions were taken at the NJC’s 112th meeting, held on November 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
