The National Judicial Council (NJC) has established four investigation panels to look into allegations of misconduct involving 27 High Court judges.

The decision follows a review of 22 petitions against these judicial officers by the NJC’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

Additionally, the council has issued a letter of caution to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, advising him to exercise discretion in his role as a judicial officer. This action came after Justice Olagunju reportedly used inappropriate language in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, challenging the council’s decisions and its policies concerning the appointment of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.

During its 106th meeting, chaired by outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola, the NJC reviewed the committee’s report and determined that four of the petitions warranted further investigation. Conversely, 18 petitions were dismissed as lacking merit, abandoned, or deemed subjudice.

The dismissed petitions involved several high-profile judges, including Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, and other Justices from both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, among others.

The NJC also placed five judges on its pre-sanction watch list due to poor performance, with recommendations for appropriate sanctions should their performance not improve.

In his final meeting before retirement, Chief Justice Ariwoola expressed gratitude for the support he received from the council and its secretariat, urging continued cooperation with his successor. Council members paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice, wishing him a healthy retirement.