…Allegations Include Forgery, Age Falsification, False Asset Declarations
…Council Maintains Silence Amid Rising Public Concern
The National Judicial Council has commenced a far-reaching but discreet probe into allegations of corruption and gross misconduct involving some senior judicial officers, including heads of courts, PLATFORM TIMES has learnt.
Multiple sources within the judiciary disclosed that the investigation was triggered by what insiders described as “damning and disturbing petitions” submitted against unnamed top judges in recent months.
The council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is empowered by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to appoint, discipline and recommend the removal of judicial officers.
According to credible sources, the petitions detail serious allegations, including forgery, age falsification, false asset declarations and abuse of office.
“The allegation against one of the senior judges is so grave that the Chief Justice ordered an urgent and confidential inquiry to identify those culpable and sanitise the system,” a senior official familiar with the matter told PLATFORM TIMES.
Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, described the claims as “serious and shocking,” adding that the CJN was determined to prevent further erosion of public trust in the judiciary.
“Deeply concerned by the weight of the allegations, the CJN is mobilising the council for decisive administrative action. She does not want these claims to damage the integrity of the bench,” the source said.
The identities of the judges under investigation, as well as the petitioners, were not disclosed. It was gathered that the ongoing inquest is being handled under strict confidentiality and is known only to a limited circle within the council.
When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, Mr Tobi Soniyi, said he had not been briefed on the matter and directed enquiries to the council.
Similarly, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said she was unaware of the probe.
The reported investigation comes amid ongoing reform efforts within the judiciary. During the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year in September 2025, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged sweeping reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and judicial excellence.
At her swearing-in as acting CJN in August 2024, she acknowledged that public confidence in the judiciary was waning and vowed to restore its credibility.
Under her leadership, the NJC has taken disciplinary action against several judicial officers.
On November 15, 2024, the council approved the compulsory retirement of two judges, suspended two others for two years and issued a warning to another, while setting up investigative panels to examine additional allegations.
On June 26, 2025, the council compulsorily retired 10 judges, cautioned five others and barred a judge of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years.
Legal analysts say that if confirmed, the latest probe would underscore a renewed push by the NJC to cleanse the bench and strengthen accountability within the justice system at a time of heightened public scrutiny.
For now, however, the council has maintained official silence, leaving questions about the scope and possible consequences of the investigation unanswered.
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