A Lagos-based human rights organisation, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, has petitioned the National Judicial Council over the alleged imprisonment of two court clerks attached to an Imo State High Court judge, describing the incident as a troubling abuse of judicial authority.
The group, also known as RULAAC, alleged in a petition filed on Sunday that two court staff serving under Hon. Justice V.O.B. Ekezie were ordered imprisoned for seven days following an administrative dispute linked to court records.
RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a petition addressed to the NJC Chairman in Abuja, warned against what he described as retaliatory actions within the judicial system.
“Court staff, litigants, and lawyers should not operate under fear of retaliation for lawful complaints, administrative cooperation, or disclosure of official court records properly obtainable under the law,” Nwanguma wrote.
According to the petition, the two clerks allegedly came under scrutiny after they provided Certified True Copies of court documents that were later used by litigants in petitions filed against Justice Ekezie.
RULAAC said the judge subsequently issued administrative queries to the staff and that after their responses were reportedly deemed unsatisfactory, an order for their imprisonment for seven days was allegedly made.
The organisation stated, however, that the imprisonment order was never executed, claiming that the intervention of the Imo State Chief Judge prevented its implementation.
The petition further linked the matter to Suit No. HOW/792/2022, a case RULAAC alleged has been characterised by prolonged delays and concerns surrounding its management.
RULAAC argued that administrative disciplinary procedures should not be equated with criminal proceedings.
“A query issued to court staff is ordinarily an administrative disciplinary mechanism intended to obtain explanations regarding alleged misconduct,” the petition stated.
The organisation maintained that refusal to respond to such queries could attract internal disciplinary sanctions, but did not provide legal grounds for imprisonment.
Citing Sections 35 and 36 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, RULAAC argued that personal liberty and fair hearing protections require that any deprivation of freedom must follow due legal process.
“Judicial authority is strongest when exercised with restraint, fairness, and fidelity to due process,” Nwanguma stated. “The use or perceived use of coercive judicial powers in matters arising from administrative disagreements or personal displeasure creates a dangerous precedent.”
The organisation expressed concern over the vulnerability of court clerks within the judicial system, arguing that the alleged actions could undermine confidence in judicial accountability processes.
“The judiciary occupies a unique constitutional position as the guardian of citizens’ rights and liberties,” the petition read. “Preserving the integrity of the judiciary requires prompt and impartial scrutiny of allegations capable of bringing the administration of justice into disrepute.”
RULAAC asked the NJC to launch an independent investigation into the alleged imprisonment order and the treatment of the affected workers, determine whether constitutional rights were violated, examine possible breaches of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, and take disciplinary action if misconduct is established.
The group also urged the council to investigate concerns surrounding the handling of Suit No. HOW/792/2022 and strengthen safeguards against the alleged misuse of judicial powers. #Securitynewsalert.com
