Kehinde Fajobi
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, after finding them guilty of age falsification.
The NJC, which has statutory powers to discipline judicial officers, made this decision during its 107th meeting held on 13–14 November 2024.
A statement by Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, revealed the findings and actions taken.
The NJC investigation uncovered that Justice Chikeka had used two different dates of birth: 27 October 1956 and 27 October 1958.
“The Council found that 27 October 1956 appeared to be consistent, but in 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing his date of birth to 27 October 1958,” the statement said.
Consequently, the NJC recommended his retirement with effect from 27 October 2021 and directed him to refund all salaries and allowances received beyond that date.
In Kadi Mahdi’s case, the NJC discovered three conflicting dates of birth—10 December 1959, 28 January 1959, and July 1959—while establishing that his actual birth year was 1952.
“The Grand Kadi ought to have retired from service 12 years ago,” the NJC stated, recommending his compulsory retirement to the Governor of Yobe State.
He was also directed to refund all salaries and allowances received during those 12 years.
The NJC suspended Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court for misconduct.
Justice Aguma was found guilty of aiding a litigant in obtaining a garnishee order under questionable circumstances.
The NJC stated, “The Council finds that Justice Aguma failed to query why garnishee proceedings from a judgment delivered in Abuja were brought to his court in Rivers State. He also ignored a stay of execution order brought to his attention.”
Justice Nwabunike was sanctioned for breaching the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, granting ex parte orders without accompanying motions, and failing to adhere to judicial principles.
Both judges were suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list.
The NJC reviewed 30 petitions against judicial officers, dismissing 22 for lacking merit and declaring two sub judice.
Committees were set up to investigate six cases, including allegations against Justice O.A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.
Among other decisions, the NJC cautioned Justice I.A. Jamil of Kogi State for handling sensitive matters carelessly and Justice J.J. Majebi, Chief Judge of Kogi State, for assigning a critical case to a junior judge.
Four petitions against Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja were dismissed.
One petition alleged inducements, including $1 million, a bulletproof car, and a land gift from a political party leader.
“The Council finds that the allegations were not substantiated,” the statement said.
The NJC noted that some allegations constituted forum shopping and criticised petitioners for filing frivolous complaints.
“While the NJC is ready to sanction erring judicial officers, it has a duty to protect them against unfounded allegations,” it stated, warning that legal practitioners who collude with litigants to blackmail judges will be reported to disciplinary committees.
The NJC recommended 36 candidates for judicial appointments and directed the President of the Court of Appeal to address certain complaints administratively.
These measures, the NJC emphasised, aim to uphold judicial integrity and accountability across the Nigerian judiciary.