The National Judicial Council (NJC) has released Certified True Copies (CTCs) of its correspondence on the criminal case involving child rights activist and Convener of Operation Save Nigerian Children, Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, maintaining that it lacks the authority to transfer or reassign the matter and that such powers belong exclusively to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
The clarification was contained in a letter dated June 29, 2026, signed by the Secretary of the Council, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, on behalf of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJC, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The letter was in response to fresh requests by Aghogho’s counsel, Andrew N. Elekeokwuri, seeking updates and Certified True Copies of all correspondence relating to Charge No. FHC/WR/92C/2022, Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, pending before the Federal High Court in Warri.
The Council disclosed that it had earlier communicated its decisions on petitions and applications filed by the defence but that one of its responses, dated March 6, 2026, was returned by DHL after the address provided by counsel could not be located.
According to the NJC, before it could notify the lawyer of the failed delivery, another letter dated June 23, 2026, requesting Certified True Copies of all correspondence connected to the matter, was received.
“I have been directed by the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun, to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated June 4 and June 13, 2026,” the letter stated.
The Council added that copies of all previous responses, including the undelivered March 6 correspondence, were attached and advised the defence to pursue its constitutional right of appeal if dissatisfied with the decisions of the court.
Documents released by the NJC show that the Council consistently rejected requests for the administrative transfer of the case, insisting that the power to assign or reassign matters lies solely with the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
In its March 6, 2026 correspondence, the Council expressly stated that it had no constitutional or administrative mandate to move pending cases from one judge or division to another. The same position was reiterated in a follow-up letter dated April 8, 2026.
The documents also contain a July 3, 2025 acknowledgement of a petition filed by Aghogho against Justices M.I. Sani and H.A. Nganjiwa, alleging judicial misconduct, abuse of court process, corruption and violations of his fundamental rights in the handling of the criminal proceedings.
Justice Nganjiwa had reportedly informed parties during proceedings that his name had been mentioned in a case before the ECOWAS Court and indicated that he would await directives from either the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, or the withdrawal of the petitions, before taking further steps, including hearing a pending preliminary objection.
Following the judge’s remarks, the defence orally requested that he recuse himself and sought the reassignment of the matter to another judge. The court subsequently directed counsel to file a formal application while indicating that it would await guidance from the appropriate judicial authorities.
The defence maintains that the unresolved jurisdictional challenge and continued delay in the proceedings have prejudiced Aghogho, who has remained in custody since his bail was revoked in June 2025.
Citing Section 36(1) of the Constitution and judicial authorities, including Deduwa v. Okorodudu and Kenon v. Tekam, Aghogho’s lawyers argued that justice must not only be done but must also be manifestly seen to be done.
The defence has urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to exercise his administrative powers to transfer the matter to another judicial division to guarantee a fair hearing within a reasonable time and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.