The National Judicial Council (NJC), on Wednesday, announced that a Federal High Court Judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, serving in the Lagos Division of the court, has been banned from any form of promotion till the end of her career.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NJC Acting Director, Soji Oye.
Oye stated that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia has been placed under a four year watch-list and also warned against committing any misconduct.
He said the disciplinary action was taken after the NJC, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, considered several petitions filed against her.
The decision was sequel to the petition written against her by one Victoria Ayeni alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of Hon. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for failing to deliver judgment in Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/31/2011, a pre-election matter between Victoria A. A. Ayeni and Olusola Sonuga.
The statement reads in part:
“She was also alleged to have adjourned the pre-Election matter severally until the termination of the life span of the Ogun State House of Assembly.”
“The National Judicial Council, Under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON, at its Meeting which was held on the 24th and 25th February, 2016 decided to warn Hon. Justice Ruth Ofili-Ajumogobia and also put her on the ‘watch-list’ of the Council for the next four years.”
“The honourable judge will also not be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or any ad-hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the bench.”