Child Rights Activist Petitions NJC, Accuses Warri Judges of Judicial Misconduct and Calls for Urgent Disciplinary Action

A prominent child rights advocate and human rights defender, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, has formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging immediate disciplinary action against two serving judges of the Federal High Court, Warri Division, over alleged judicial misconduct, abuse of office, and unlawful detention.

In a petition dated June 2025, Aghogho accused Hon. Justice M.I. Sani (now at the Court of Appeal) and Hon. Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa of violating his fundamental rights in relation to Charge No: FHC/WR/92C/2022. He also alleged systemic corruption and conspiracy involving officials of the Delta State Ministry of Justice and the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, Mr. Pius Iorzua.

According to Aghogho, a fraudulent and unfiled letter dated April 8, 2024, and allegedly authored by State Prosecutor Mr. J.A. Amahi was illegally inserted into the court records by Justice Sani without proper filing or notifying the defense. The letter, which undermined a court-approved surety, was allegedly smuggled into the case file through the assistance of the Deputy Chief Registrar, thereby violating due process.

Aghogho further claimed he was extorted of ₦500,000 by court staff during his bail process and that his bail was arbitrarily revoked on June 16, 2025, in what he described as retaliation for a lawful media publication by Daily Post Nigeria. He maintained that the publication, which covered a public court document, did not breach any bail conditions.

The activist alleged a further breach of judicial ethics when Justice Nganjiwa reportedly held a private meeting in chambers with the police prosecutor and a key prosecution witness, S.B. Irabor, immediately following the revocation of bail an act that contravenes judicial codes of conduct.

Aghogho cited statements made in open court by the state’s counsel, who admitted the prosecution was stalled due to the death of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and the unavailability of witnesses. Despite this, he remains in custody without any valid legal basis.

He expressed grave concern for his personal safety, citing credible intelligence of an alleged assassination plot against him during his detention, purportedly orchestrated by vested interests threatened by his advocacy against child trafficking and judicial corruption in Delta State.

Quoting from the petition, Aghogho stated:

“I am a Nigerian citizen, child rights advocate, and anti-child trafficking campaigner seeking urgent intervention in light of sustained judicial abuse, unlawful detention, and violations of my constitutional rights in Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho.”

He concluded by urging the NJC to act swiftly in upholding the integrity of the judiciary and restoring public trust.

“This petition is submitted in utmost good faith, in defense of human rights, judicial accountability, and the rule of law. I implore the NJC to ensure justice is served without fear or favor.”