The National Judicial Council (NJC) has acknowledged receipt of a petition against Justice B.T. Ebuta of the Cross River State High Court over allegations of misconduct and failure to recuse himself from a case in which he is accused of having a personal interest.
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The petition, dated April 10, 2025, was filed by Ntoe Paul Assim Ita, the Clan Head of Nkonib Ikot Ansa Qua, and centers on claims that Justice Ebuta presided over a land dispute case despite being personally connected to the matter.
In its official acknowledgment (Reference No. NJC/S.4/ANA.HC/7/11/24), signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairman, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, the NJC confirmed that the petition is under review.
According to the petition, Justice Ebuta allegedly declined to step aside from Suit No. HC/86/2024, a fresh land dispute involving parties from a previous case in which he had refused to vacate a consent judgment. The petitioner claims that the judge’s impartiality is compromised due to his alleged acceptance of land gifts from one of the parties in the dispute.
“Justice Ebuta has demonstrated bias and a vested interest in the matter,” the petition reads. “He should have recused himself to protect the integrity of the judiciary.”
The complaint accuses the judge of conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer and abuse of office, urging the NJC to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary action.
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