The National Judicial Council (NJC) has found two high-ranking judges guilty of age falsification, leading to their compulsory retirement. Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, were found to have altered their dates of birth to remain on the bench.
The NJC’s investigation revealed that Justice Chikeka had two different dates of birth, October 27, 1956, and October 27, 1958, while Kadi Mahdi had three different dates of birth in 1959, despite being born in 1952.
Consequently, the NJC recommended their compulsory retirement to their respective state governors, with all salaries and allowances received in excess to be refunded.
Additionally, two other judges, Justice G. C. Aguma of Rivers State High Court and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court, were suspended for one year without pay and placed on a “Watch-List” for two years thereafter.
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The NJC considered 30 petitions, dismissing 22 for lack of merit and empaneling six committees for further investigation. The council also recommended the appointment of 36 new High Court judges.
Other notable actions taken by the NJC include:
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Issuing cautionary letters to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State and Hon. Justice J. J. Majebi, Chief Judge of Kogi State.
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Dismissing petitions against Hon. Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and Hon. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
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Discontinuing petitions against Hon. Justice Peter C. Obiora, JCA, and Hon. Justice I. S. Yerima, Chief Judge of Oyo State.
The NJC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting judicial officers against unfounded allegations while sanctioning erring officers.