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IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
By: Michael Mike
Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has welcomed the recent action taken by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in suspending three judges and nullifying the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State, asking the body to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust
IJAP, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Honourable Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade JCA (rtd.), noted that: ‘‘The decisions, taken in response to judicial misconduct and procedural irregularities, reflect growing public demand for transparency, integrity, and accountability within the judiciary,” adding that: “However, this must not remain a reactive gesture. As a body entrusted with safeguarding the independence and ethics of the judiciary, the NJC must rise beyond disciplinary enforcement driven only by public petitions. We reiterate the urgent need for the NJC to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust.”
IJAP’s recommendations, outlined in its Technical Working Group’s policy submissions, call on the NJC to: Implement a “Punishment and Reward” System. Judges who uphold integrity and demonstrate consistent professionalism should be elevated. Conversely, those who compromise due processincluding misusing ex parte orders should not only face sanctions but also be disqualified from elevation to the Higher Bench and from being given sensitive roles like election tribunals.
IJAP commended the NJC for its resolution to henceforth publish the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to Superior Courts of Record for information and comments by the public, noting that this will Introduce Citizens’ Scrutiny in Judicial Appointments, to enhance transparency, build public confidence, and ensure that only fit and proper candidates ascend to the bench
IJAP also recommended that Disciplinary Reports should be made public to deter judicial misconduct and align the Council’s actions with public interest; Strengthening of Judicial Oversight by investing in the collection and analysis of judicial performance data, addressing inconsistent judgments, and collaborating with the National Judicial Institute to train judiciary staff on global best practices.
It also advocated for the Passage of the Whistleblowing Bill on Judicial Misconduct, which would provide a formal mechanism for reporting unethical behaviour in the judiciary while protecting whistle-blowers from retaliation.
IJAP also called for urgent reform in post-electoral justice delivery, to ensure that tribunal decisions are not only timely but also uphold the democratic mandate of the people—free from political interference or inducement. “We further emphasise that justice in electoral matters must be both swift and credible. The current constitutional timelines for pre-election and post-election petitions—though important—must be revisited to ensure that all election disputes are resolved before the swearing-in of declared winners. Nigeria must learn from regional peers like Kenya, where judicial processes prioritise electoral integrity and prompt adjudication.” It further stated.
IJAP said that: ‘‘In this defining moment, we call on all judicial stakeholders including the NJC, legal practitioners, civil society, and the general public—to collectively restore faith in Nigeria’s judiciary by demanding proactive reform, fostering ethical leadership, and holding all actors accountable.’’
Independent Accountability Judicial Panel (IJAP) consists of a team of renowned retired court of appeal judges, academia, legal practitioners and development experts with a track record of transparent leadership in judicial matters, to review Judicial pronouncements/actions and provide informed analysis that will enable Citizens to hold the Judiciary accountable.
IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
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Two fulani women rescued from forest after month-long abduction in Adavi forest in Kogi
Two fulani women rescued from forest after month-long abduction in Adavi forest in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Kogi State have rescued two women who were kidnapped nearly a month ago from Irewagere Fulani Camp in Adavi Local Government Area.
Zagazola report that the victims, Safara Yakubu and Habibat Aminu, both aged 25 and of Fulani descent, were abducted on Nov. 3, 2025, at about 11:00 p.m.
Sources said that the Divisional Police Officer, Osara, mobilized a team based on credible intelligence and rescued the victims along the Osara-Oshokoshoko Obajana Forest on Sunday at about 2:00 p.m.
The rescued women are currently receiving medical attention at a local medical center.
End
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in neighbouring Benin Republic.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.
“This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.”
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” the statement added.
The statement further read: “Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.
“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic
A statement on Sunday by the ECOWAS office in Abuja read: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for
any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including
the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
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