The Department of State Service (DSS) has released the judges arrested over the weekend for allegedly receiving bribe, according to multiple reports.
This comes as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, announced that the National Judicial Council (NJC) would meet on Tuesday over the “deeply regrettable” saga.
At least seven judicial officers were detained after what the DSS described as a series of special sting operations involving some judges of the Supreme, Appeal and High Courts.
Those arrested were Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro, both of the Supreme Court; the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Tsamiya; Justice Kabiru Auta of the Kano State High Court and Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Other were former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike, and Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division.
Relying on sources in the secret police and Supreme Court, Punch and Vanguard reported on Monday that the arrested were granted bail on Sunday on self-recognition.
The judges were said to have returned to the DSS on Monday morning but were allowed to return home after questioning.
Speaking at the valedictory court session held in honour of retiring Justice Suleiman Galadima of the Supreme Court, Justice Mohammed, said “It is indeed very saddening and deeply regrettable, the distressing and unfortunate incident which occurred on Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October, 2016.
“However, I must ask all Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, as an emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council, which will take place tomorrow, will comprehensively look into the matter.”
The CJN expressed “sincere appreciation to the executive of the Nigerian Bar Association ably led by the President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), and indeed all members of the legal profession for their prompt action and continued support.”
