NJC Explains Why Suspended Judges Accused Of Corruption Were Recalled

The National Judicial Council (NJC) says it recalled the suspended judges due to the expiration of the 45 days allowed for the
compilation of records in all circumstances.

Some judges were suspended by the NJC after their houses were raided by the Department of State Services (DSS) with the discovery of incriminating items.

In a statement issued by the council on Saturday, the NJC explained that the 45 days
period provided by the constitution to conclude investigation or determination of
the cases filed against them expired on 7 May, 2017, for the Registrar of the lower court and 22 May, 2017, for the appellant.

Expiration of compilation period
”The total number of 45 days allowed for compilation of record in all circumstances expired on 7th May, 2017, for the Registrar
of the Lower Court and 22nd May, 2017, for the Appellant.

”Council noted that the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice only filed additional grounds of appeal in the Court on
Tuesday 6th June, 2017, three days after the press release by the council that the judicial
officers have been directed to resume their Judicial duties.

”It was on 6th June, 2017, that letters were again issued by the registrar to the parties
for settlement of records against 14th June, 2017,” the council explained.

The council noted that its decision to recall the officers was based on the principles of rule of law and fairness It, however, reiterated that it would continue to support ”the President Buhari
administration posture in its fight against corruption in all its ramifications in the Federation; and in cleansing the Judiciary of
corrupt Judicial Officers”.