By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA —The National  Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday, said it has decided to place Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on the “Watch-List” for the next four years, following her alleged complicity in acts of judicial misconduct.

The council, which is headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said it took the decision at the end of a meeting held on February 24 and 25, 2016.

Aside issuing a stern warning to the judge, the judicial body also said Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia would not be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or any ad-hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the Bench.

A statement by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, disclosed that the decision of the council was sequel to a petition written by one Victoria Ayeni, alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia.

It said: “It was found that the judge failed to deliver judgement in suit No FHC/AB/CS/31/2011, a pre-election matter between the petitioner and Olusola Sonuga and 2 others.

“She was also alleged to have adjourned the pre-election matter severally until the termination of the life span of Ogun State House of Assembly.

“The decision of the council on Hon. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is with immediate effect.”