The National Judicial Council has stopped the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello from proceeding with the appointment of his wife, Barrister Amina Bello and some of his family and friends as Judges and Kadis in the state.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq, NJC Secretary, in response to a petition filed before the body by a league of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Kogi East informing NJC about Governor Bello’s act of nepotism in appointing the Judges and Kadis.

According to the statement, the NJC has stopped the appointment process pending the determination of a lawsuit on the same matter.

The statement reads: “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 10 January, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the National Judicial Council being the apex body in the Judiciary understands that respecting the authority of the court is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining a fair and just legal system. As such, the NJC has always been in the forefront of advocating for respect to the rule of law.

“Thus, I wish to inform you that once a suit is instituted against any appointment process, Council do put on hold the process, pending the determination of the matter. Consequently, the NJC has put on hold the process of appointment of Judges and Kadis for the Kogi State Judiciary.”