The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year w...
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay and barred her from elevation to a higher court for three years over the unlawful detention of litigant Sani Ahmad Zangina for 58 days.
A major judicial disciplinary decision has been recorded following the controversial detention of Sani Ahmad Zangina, a known supporter of President Bola Tinubu, who was reportedly kept in detention for 58 days over allegations of disobeying court orders.
The National Judicial Council announced the disciplinary action against Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir following its 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In its decision, the NJC approved the suspension of the Nasarawa State High Court judge for one year without salary and prohibited her from being nominated for elevation to a higher court for three years.
According to the Council, its investigation established that the judge ordered Zangina's arrest and detention over alleged disobedience of court orders without following the mandatory legal procedures required for contempt proceedings.
The NJC's Investigation Committee found that Forms 48 and 49, which are prescribed legal notices for contempt proceedings, were neither issued nor served on the litigant before his detention.
The committee further established that the alleged contempt occurred outside the judge's presence and could not legally be handled through summary trial and punishment.
It also concluded that the action violated Zangina's constitutional right to fair hearing.
The development represents a significant victory for the principle of judicial accountability and reinforces the position that no judicial officer is above the law.
For Sani Ahmad Zangina, the NJC's decision provides an important institutional recognition of the seriousness of the complaints surrounding his 58-day detention.
The Council's action also sends a strong message that judicial authority must be exercised within the boundaries of the Constitution and established legal procedures.
The NJC's decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
The development has again raised questions about the protection of citizens' fundamental rights and the responsibility of judicial officers to ensure that justice is administered fairly, lawfully and without abuse of authority.
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