The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ruled that the Chief Justice of Benue State, Justice Aondover Kakaan, will remain in office pending the investigation of a petition filed against him. Naija247news reports that the decision was announced on Wednesday following a meeting of the NJC, Nigeria’s apex judicial regulatory body, in Abuja.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the petition against Justice Kakaan alleges misconduct and abuse of office, though specific details of the allegations have not been made public. The NJC, in its statement, emphasized the importance of due process and fair hearing, stating that the Chief Justice is entitled to defend himself against the claims.
Naija247news gathered that the decision has sparked mixed reactions among legal practitioners and stakeholders in Benue State. While some have praised the NJC for upholding the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” others have expressed concerns over the potential impact of the allegations on the judiciary’s integrity.
A senior lawyer, who spoke to Naija247news on condition of anonymity, described the NJC’s decision as “a necessary step to ensure justice is served without prejudice.” However, civil society groups in the state have called for a swift and transparent investigation to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
Naija247news understands that Justice Kakaan has been at the helm of the Benue State judiciary since his appointment in 2020. His tenure has been marked by efforts to address case backlogs and improve the efficiency of the court system. According to Naija247news, the Chief Justice has yet to publicly comment on the petition or the NJC’s decision.
The NJC’s ruling comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s judiciary, with several high-profile cases of alleged misconduct involving judicial officers in recent years. Naija247news reports that the council has reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability within the judiciary.
In its statement, the NJC also urged all parties involved in the petition to cooperate fully with the investigation. “The NJC remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the judiciary and will ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated,” the statement read.
As the probe unfolds, Naija247news gathered that stakeholders in Benue State are closely monitoring the situation. Many have expressed hope that the investigation will be concluded promptly to avoid further distractions in the administration of justice.
For now, Justice Kakaan remains in office, with the judiciary’s reputation hanging in the balance.
