The National Judicial Council (NJC) has confirmed it is reviewing a petition filed against Justice B.T. Ebuta of the Cross River State High Court over alleged misconduct and conflict of interest in a land dispute case.
The petition, submitted on April 10, 2025, by Ntoe Paul Assim Ita—the Clan Head of Nkonib Ikot Ansa Qua—alleges that Justice Ebuta failed to recuse himself from a case where he has personal ties. The judge is accused of continuing to preside over Suit No. HC/86/2024, a land dispute involving parties from a previous case where he refused to vacate a consent judgment.
Central to the complaint is the claim that Justice Ebuta accepted land gifts from one of the disputing parties, raising questions about his neutrality. The petitioner described the judge’s actions as showing clear bias and a breach of judicial ethics.
In an official response, referenced NJC/S.4/ANA.HC/7/11/24, the NJC—through its chairman, Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun—acknowledged receipt of the petition and stated that it is currently under consideration.
The petitioner is urging the NJC to launch a full investigation and apply appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations are substantiated.