NJC Pushes Back Against Proposal to Give NBA Power to Sanction Corrupt Judges

NJC Pushes Back Against Proposal to Give NBA Power to Sanction Corrupt Judges

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has expressed strong reservations about a proposed bill that would grant the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the authority to investigate and sanction corrupt judges. This proposal, which was passed by the House of Representatives on March 25, 2025, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution and give the NBA the power to receive petitions against judicial officers, review their defense, and take disciplinary action if necessary .

According to the NJC, the Constitution clearly designates the NJC as the body responsible for handling judicial discipline. The NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, emphasized that sanctioning a judge is a process governed by specific procedures, including presenting concrete evidence of misconduct .

Ogedengbe questioned the practicality of the proposal, citing concerns about potential abuses of power if the NBA were given the authority to discipline judges. She also raised concerns about the NBA’s ability to handle such responsibilities, given the potential for conflicts of interest .

The NJC stressed that any reforms to the judicial system must align with constitutional provisions and existing disciplinary mechanisms. The proposed amendment will undergo extensive scrutiny, including Senate review, state assembly ratification, and public hearings .

Ultimately, the NJC’s opposition to the proposal highlights the need for careful consideration and deliberation in any efforts to reform the judicial system. As Ogedengbe noted, “This is just the beginning of the conversation. No law is perfect from inception. It takes thorough deliberation to craft a law that effectively addresses an issue while preventing unintended consequences.