The National Judicial Council (NJC) of Nigeria has constituted four probe panels to investigate 27 high court judges over various allegations of judicial misconduct.

This decision was made during the NJC's 106th meeting, presided over by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola.

The NJC reviewed 22 petitions against these judicial officers and found them meritorious enough to warrant further investigation.

A statement by the NJC Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, clarified that "the remaining 18 petitions were discountenanced for lacking in merit, abandoned, or being subjudice."

Among those under scrutiny is Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, who received a letter of advice from the NJC.

The Council urged him to be more circumspect in his duties after he used inappropriate language in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, challenging the Council’s decision on the appointment of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State.

Additionally, five judges have been placed on a pre-sanction watchlist for poor performance.

They will be recommended for appropriate sanctions if they do not improve their performance.

Outgoing CJN, Justice Ariwoola, expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure and implored the Council members to extend the same cooperation to his successor.

"I appreciate the cooperation I received from members of the Council and the Secretariat," he said, adding that he wished them continued success in maintaining judicial standards.