Former FCT Chief Judge, Gumi, guilty of misconduct – NJC

The National Judicial Council,NJC, on Thursday found former Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Lawal Hassan Gumi, guilty of gross misconduct contrary to Rule 1(i) of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

The verdict would have led to his removal from office if he were still serving.

Similarly, the council reprimanded judge of the Federal High Court, M.A. Onyetenu, “for granting ex-parte order without hearing the pending motion on notice and applications in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/236/2012 between Evangelist Charity O. Akah V. Alpaca Price Nigeria Limited and Another.”

A statement by Acting Director of Information of the NJC, Soji Oye, in Abuja on Thursday reads: “The Council rose from its 63rd Meeting which was held on 17th and 18th July, 2013 and deliberated on the Report and recommendation of its Committee that investigated the petition forwarded to it by Nestello Gateway Group in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/486/10 against Hon. Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, OFR, the former Hon. Chief Judge of High Court of FCT, Abuja.

“At the end of deliberation, Council accepted the findings of its Committee that Hon. Justice Gummi, OFR, interfered with execution of the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Jude Okeke of the FCT High Court, Abuja in the suit between Nestello Gateway Group and Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former National Assembly member and the current Governor of Zamfara State in which execution had already been levied in favour of the petitioner.

“Council found the interference by Hon. Justice Gummi in the execution of the judgment as most unethical and highly reprehensible.

“Council also accepted the recommendation of its Investigation Committee that Hon. Justice Gummi was guilty of gross misconduct contrary to Rule 1(i) of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which would have led to his removal from office.

“Council, however, took cognisance of the fact that Hon. Justice Gummi has already voluntarily retired from service and consequently decided not to recommend his removal from office.

“Council decided that henceforth, any similar misconduct by any Judicial Officer in the Federation will be visited with severe sanctions.

“Council also warned Hon. Justice M. A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court for granting ex-parte order without hearing the pending motion on notice and applications in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/236/2012 between Evangelist Charity O. Akah V. Alpaca Price Nigeria Limited and Another.”

Source:  Daily post