DSS arrest: NBA seeks suspension of affected judges

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked judges who are currently being investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of corruption to suspend sitting and proceed on compulsory suspension.

NBA President, Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), said this at a valedictory court session for the retiring Justice Sotonye Denton-West of the Court of Appeal yesterday October 20th.

According to Mahmud, the suspension of the judges will help save the image of the judiciary.

“In the interim, however, particularly having regards to what appears to ongoing accusations and counter accusations between some of the judges and other personalities or agencies, it appears to the NBA that it is extremely important that the NJC takes very urgent steps to safeguard the public image and sanctity of the courts. We therefore strongly recommend that, without prejudice to the innocence or otherwise of the Judges involved in the ongoing investigations, they should be required to recuse themselves from further judicial functions or required to proceed on compulsory leave until their innocence is fully and completely established or until the conclusion of all judicial or disciplinary proceedings. We believe this will be necessary in order to protect the sanctity and integrity of judicial processes that may involve the judges concerned and safeguard the public image of the institution,” Mahmud said.