Justice Under Fire In Kogi: Judicial Council Cracks Down, Boots Judge, Suspends Magistrate

The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive disciplinary action against two judicial officers. Judge Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele of the Area Court was ordered into compulsory retirement over misconduct, while Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed has been suspended from judicial duties for two years and issued a formal warning.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

These resolutions were reached during the JSC’s 136th meeting held in Lokoja, according to a statement released Thursday by the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Tanko Muhammed.

In contrast, four other judicial officers—Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma Esq., and Anuhi Safiya Oiza—were cleared of various allegations after a thorough review.

Dr. Muhammed explained that the allegations were diligently investigated by the Commission’s Disciplinary Committee, which submitted its findings and recommendations to the JSC.

Judge Bamidele’s misconduct involved purchasing a property that was under litigation in his court after he had ordered its sale. He was also found to have failed to make full payment for the property and issued a court order without giving both parties a fair hearing.

To improve the welfare of judicial officers, the Commission also established a six-member committee led by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah. The committee is tasked with identifying actionable measures to enhance working conditions for magistrates and area court judges.