The National Judicial Council (NJC) has authorized the investigation of seven judges accused of involvement in various acts of corruption.

The decision was made during a two-day meeting held on June 14 and 15, conducted by the council, which holds the statutory power to discipline erring judicial officers in the country.

Panels have been established to carry out the investigations.

According to a statement signed by Mr. Soji Oye, the NJC Director of Information, the meeting was chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice (CJN) Kayode Ariwoola, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman.

While the names of the judges under investigation were not disclosed, the NJC revealed that they are judicial officers from the Court of Appeal and State High Courts.

The Council considered reports from various investigation committees and Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees regarding petitions against 33 Judicial Officers from appellate and high courts.

The NJC agreed with the recommendation of the Committee that the seven judges in question have matters to address.

However, petitions against 26 others, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Peter Odili, were dismissed for reasons such as lack of merit, diligent prosecution, withdrawal of the petition, subjudice, or retirement of the subject judge.

In addition, the Council announced a new policy prohibiting judicial officers from transferring between the High Court of Justice and the Customary Court of Appeal.

The only exception would be when a new Customary Court of Appeal is established in a state, allowing judges who express interest to move to the Customary Court of Appeal.