Lawmakers of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, passed a bill for second reading to amend the 1999 Constitution and grant the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the power to handle petitions against corrupt judges.
Afam Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, sponsored the bill. Lawmakers included it among 40 proposals that advanced to the next stage. The bill introduces a new subsection 6 to sections 231, 238, 250, 256, and 271 of the Constitution, allowing the removal of corrupt judges, including:
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria
- Justices of the Court of Appeal
- Judges of the Federal High Court
- Judges of the High Court of the FCT and States
Key provisions in the bill includes:
- The NBA will receive petitions against corrupt judicial officers and review their defense.
- If the NBA finds the defense unsatisfactory, it can conduct a confidence vote.
- If two-thirds of NBA members at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Conference pass a vote of no confidence, the judge must step down.
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Ogene, a Labour Party member, stressed the need for this reform. He argued that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has failed to curb corruption effectively.
“This bill introduces a stronger, independent process to restore integrity in our courts and justice system,” Ogene stated.
Lawmakers believe this proposal will increase judicial accountability and boost public trust in Nigeria’s legal system.
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