In a recent decision at its 104th Meeting, the National Judicial Council (NJC) chaired by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice S.O. Falola from the Osun State High Court.
This decision came after a thorough investigation into a petition lodged by Mr. Dapo Kolapo Olowo and Polaris Bank, alleging a controversial Garnishee Order Absolute issued against the bank for a sum of N283,174,000.00.
The investigating panel revealed multiple irregularities in the conduct of Justice Falola. Notably, the Judge entertained a suit without evidence of a judgment from the Kwara State High Court and lacked jurisdiction in the matter. Moreover, the Council found the Judge’s visit to the Bank’s Counsel in Lagos regarding Garnishee Proceedings as unbecoming of a Judicial Officer.
As a result, the NJC recommended Justice Falola’s immediate compulsory retirement to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, employing its disciplinary powers under the amended 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Concurrently, Justice S.O. Falola has been suspended from office, pending the Governor’s approval of the retirement recommendation.
Director of Information at NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, disclosed that the Council dismissed petitions against several judicial officers, including Chief Judge Justice Ekaete F.F. Obot of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Benson C. Anya of Abia State High Court, Justice Z. B. Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Justice Opufaa Ben-Whyte, and Augusta Uche K. Chuku of Rivers State High Court, citing them as unmeritorious or withdrawn.