Citizens’ Gavel, a leading advocate for transparency in the legal system, has conducted a comprehensive analysis of Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu C. Sankey, a nominee for the Supreme Court Judgeship from Plateau State.
Background:
A highly esteemed justice, Hon. Justice Sankey hails from Du, Jos South, Plateau State. Her educational journey includes attending schools in London, Kaduna, and Jos before obtaining her LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1979. She was called to the bar in 1980. Appointed as a judge of Plateau State High Court in 1993, she later became a Court of Appeal Justice in 2006, currently ranking as the 4th most senior justice of the Court of Appeal.
Controversial/High Profile Cases:
In 2016, Justice Sankey and two other justices recused themselves from cases involving Eyitayo Jegede due to allegations of bribery. A petition accused them of receiving a bribe of N350 million from then-Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko. The petition suggested that Justice Sankey received N100 million of the alleged bribe. Despite the controversy, she later led a three-man panel affirming the election victory of Ebonyi State governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, of the All Progressives Congress in the March 2023 governorship elections.
Patterns in Case Assignments:
No discernible patterns were found in case assignments related to high political or public interest, and there is no recorded total number of cases handled by Hon. Justice Sankey.
Conflict of Interest:
The analysis found no established links between Hon. Justice Sankey and litigants, indicating an absence of conflicts of interest.
Recurrence of Technical Reasons Behind Judgments; Miscarriage of Justice; and Incorrect Application of Law and Facts:
Concerns have been raised about the handling of high-profile and/or political cases by Hon. Justice Sankey, suggesting that some judgments could have been decided differently, as observed in the case of Ifeanyi Odii & Anor v Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru & Ors.
Disciplinary Issues/Indictments:
Justice Sankey has been petitioned on allegations of bribery to the tune of N350 million in the Eyitayo Jegede’s case.
Citizens Gavel is committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and public awareness within the legal system. Our dedication is evident through the impartial provision of insights into the backgrounds and track records of judicial nominees.Top of Form
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Signed
Rachael Adio
Communications Associate, Citizens’ Gavel.
