Justice Ruth Ofili-Ajumogobia sanctioned by NJC for misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Wednesday sanctioned Justice Ruth Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court (Lagos division) for misconduct.

The NJC, in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Information, Soji Oye, placed her on its “watch list” for the next four years.

The statement read in part,  “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 and 2 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.‎”

It added that she would also not be considered for elevation to the Court of Appeal or included in any ad-hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the Bench.

The penalties take immediate effect.

The NJC’s decision, taken at its meeting on February 24 and 25, was informed by findings that the judge was 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.