The National Judicial Council (NJC) has commenced what insiders described as a discreet but far-reaching investigation into some highly placed judges in the country, including heads of courts.
Sources within the council told newsmen that the ongoing inquiry, described as “extraordinary,” was triggered by a series of serious petitions against unnamed senior judicial officers.
The NJC, the constitutional body responsible for appointing, promoting and disciplining judicial officers, is chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to insiders, the probe followed what they termed a wave of “damning and disturbing petitions” alleging grave misconduct.
“The allegation against one of the senior judges is so grave that Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun has ordered an urgent probe to identify culpable individuals and cleanse the judiciary,” an official familiar with the development said.
The source added that the investigation is being handled with strict confidentiality and is known only to a handful of insiders.
“I can tell you that the NJC has, in recent times, received several petitions and complaints alleging serious and shocking misconduct, forgery, age falsification and false asset declarations.
“Deeply disturbed by the weight of the allegations, the CJN is mobilising the NJC for urgent administrative action. She does not want these claims to further erode public confidence in the judiciary,” the source said
The identities of the judges under investigation and the petitioners were not disclosed, as officials said they were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
When contacted, Tobi Soniyi, Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, referred enquiries to the NJC, stating he had not been briefed on the issue.
Similarly, the NJC’s Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said she was unaware of any such probe.
Justice Kekere-Ekun had, in September 2025, during the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year, pledged reforms aimed at promoting judicial excellence, transparency and effective administration of justice.
Earlier, at her swearing-in as acting CJN in August 2024, she acknowledged declining public confidence in the judiciary and vowed to reverse the trend.
Since assuming office, the NJC has taken disciplinary action against several judges.
On November 15, 2024, the council announced the compulsory retirement of two judges, suspended two others for two years and issued a formal warning to another.
Seven investigative committees were also constituted to examine allegations of misconduct.
On June 26, 2025, the NJC compulsorily retired 10 judges, cautioned five others and barred a judge of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years.