The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is the responsibility of the National Judicial Council to decide whether it will investigate the tenure of the ex-president of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Bulkachuwa. 

Asked if the EFCC was investigating the former judge, spokesperson for the anti-graft agency Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesday, directed Peoples Gazette to the NJC.

“I simply went back to take a look at the video you are talking about,” Mr Uwujaren told Peoples Gazette. “From what I saw there and what I heard, the question you asked me should be directed to the National Judicial Council. They are the ones in charge of judges and their actions.” 

Ms Bukachuwa was president of the Appeal Court between April 2014 to March 2020. Her 83-year-old politician husband, who represented Bauchi North in the ninth Senate, in his valedictory speech revealed how she used her position to “help” his colleagues. 

“I want to thank, particularly, my wife, whose freedom I encroached while she was in office,” Mr Bulkachuwa said. “She has been very tolerant and accepted my encroachment and extended her help to my colleagues.”

Ahmad Lawan, who presided over the valedictory session as then Senate President, interrupted Mr Bulkachuwa, stopping him from making further revelations. 

“Distinguished, I don’t think this is a good idea going this direction,” Mr Lawan said, putting off Mr Bulkachuwa’s microphone. 

Soji Oye, spokesperson for the Nigerian Judicial Council, could not be immediately reached for comments on Wednesday.

However, Saadatu Musa, spokesperson for the Appeal Court, promised to call The Gazette back when asked if the Appeal Court would investigate its former president, Ms Bulkachuwa.