The National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced its decision to sanction Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court (Lagos division) for misconduct.
In a statement by its Acting Director, Information, Soji Oye, the NJC warned the errant judge and placed her on its “watch list” for four years.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is also not to be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or included in any ad hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the Bench. The penalties are to take immediate effect.
The NJC’s decision, taken at its meeting on February 24 and 25, was informed by its findings that the judge was found to have been involved in misconduct and act of injustice by failing to deliver judgment in a pre-election case and delaying her decision until the expiration of the tenure of the person, whose qualification for election was being challenged.
NJC statement reads: “The NJC, under the Chairmanship of Justice Mahmud Mohammed, at its meeting on February 24 and 25, 2016 decided to warn Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and put her on the ‘watch-list’ of the council for the next four years.
“The 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.
“The decision was sequel to the petition written against her by Victoria Ayeni, alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of 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 and two Ors.
“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 decision of the Council on Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is with immediate effect”.
