Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up 15-member probe panels to investigate alleged gross misconduct against 15 Federal and State High Courts judges.
The probe panels would determine the culpability of the judges in the various petitions filed against them by individuals and corporate bodies.
A press statement on Friday by the NJC Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye in Abuja confirmed that the decision to investigate the alleged erring Judges was taken at the Council’s 99th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
According to him, the decision is a sequel to the submission of recommendations of three Preliminary Complaint Assessment Committees which considered 66 petitions forwarded to them by the Council from across the country.
However, the names of the Judges to be probed, their divisions and the specific nature of their alleged offences were not disclosed.
He revealed that, the Council dismissed petitions against 51 Judicial Officers of the Federal and State High Courts for either lack of merit, being matters for appeal or that the concerned Judge have retired from Service.
Oye explained that the Council was formally presented with the reviewed Judicial Information Technology Policy which established the general requirements and responsibilities for the Nigerian Judiciary systems and information.
“The policy provides for guidance of Courts and Judicial Bodies in protecting Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA) of judiciary function and process.
“It also stipulates guidance for acceptable use of system, services and technologies as well as provisions for secure storage of judicial data and recovery processes in the event of emergencies or distress.
“Council noted appointments of Judicial Officers recommended for appointment at the last meeting who have been sworn –in as Judges of Federal and State High Courts.”
He explained that reports from Standing and ad-hoc Committees of the Council were also presented at the Meeting as well as notifications of retirement of 16 Judges and notification of death of a Judge from the Federal and State High Courts.
PIAK
