The National Judicial Council, NJC, took decisive action against judicial misconduct, finding Imo State’s Chief Judge, Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and Yobe State’s Grand Kadi, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, guilty of age falsification to extend their tenure on the bench.
Following its investigations, the NJC recommended their compulsory retirement.
The Council’s decision, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, was reached during its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024. According to the NJC’s Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, Justice Chikeka had inconsistent birth dates, initially recorded as October 27, 1956, but later altered to 1958 through an affidavit in 2006.
Meanwhile, Kadi Mahdi presented three different birthdates, while his actual date was confirmed as 1952, meaning he should have retired 12 years ago. Both officials were instructed to refund all excess salaries received due to the age discrepancies.
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The NJC also issued suspensions for Justices G. C. Aguma of Rivers State and A. O. Nwabunike of Anambra State over alleged misconduct, placing them on a two-year watchlist following their one-year suspension without pay.
The NJC’s rulings extended beyond these cases, addressing multiple complaints, including unfounded petitions and alleged judicial misconduct, most of which were dismissed. The Council highlighted its commitment to upholding judicial integrity, stating that it would report legal practitioners attempting to blackmail judicial officers to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee.
The NJC also recommended 36 new judicial candidates to their respective state governors, reaffirming its mission to ensure transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s judiciary.
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