Judicial Shake-Up: NJC Suspends Two Judges, Calls For Compulsory Retirement Of Two Over Age Manipulation

Judicial Shake-Up: NJC Suspends Two Judges, Calls For Compulsory Retirement Of Two Over Age ManipulationThe National Judicial Council (NJC), at its 107th meeting on November 13-14, 2024, sanctioned five judicial officers for various acts of misconduct. The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, led to significant disciplinary actions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Among the decisions made, Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court was suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year “Watch-List.” This follows his involvement in aiding a litigant who had obtained a judgment at the FCT High Court, Abuja, and later filed a garnishee order at the Bori Division of the Rivers State High Court, despite the judgment being enforceable in Abuja. The NJC found that Aguma acted inappropriately by not questioning why the case was brought to his court in Bori, nor did he consider a stay of execution that had been granted to the judgment debtors by the Bwari High Court. Furthermore, the speed at which he granted an absolute order against the debtors suggested a conflict of interest.

Similarly, Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court was also suspended for one year without pay and placed on the “Watch-List.” He was found to have breached the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by misinterpreting legal terms and granting ex parte orders without the proper legal motions, thereby misusing his judicial powers.

The NJC also recommended compulsory retirement for two other judicial officers over age falsification. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the Chief Judge of Imo State, was found to have submitted conflicting birth dates, altering his date of birth in 2006 from 1956 to 1958, which led to his recommendation for retirement and the refund of excess salaries received since October 2021. Similarly, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, was found to have multiple conflicting birth dates and was also recommended for compulsory retirement for violating public service rules. He is required to refund all salaries and allowances received over the past 12 years.

In addition to these measures, the NJC issued a caution letter to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State, advising him to be more careful in handling sensitive cases in the future.

The Council emphasized its commitment to upholding ethical standards within the judiciary and ensuring that acts of misconduct are not overlooked.

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