NJC suspends judges over misconduct, orders repayment of salaries amid age falsification claims

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken significant disciplinary measures against senior judicial officials for misconduct, culminating in the suspension and compulsory retirement of several judges.

This decision, announced following the NJC’s 107th meeting on November 13 and 14, 2024, was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

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” post-suspension. The council also suspended Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court under similar conditions.

Additionally, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judicial figures for falsifying their ages.

Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, is set to retire retroactively from October 27, 2021, with a mandate to repay all salaries and allowances received beyond that date.

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This decision followed findings that Justice Chikeka had sworn an affidavit in 2006 altering his date of birth from October 27, 1956, to October 27, 1958.

Similarly, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, was found to have manipulated his age, presenting inconsistent birth dates: December 10, January 28, and July, all in 1959.

The NJC’s investigation determined his actual birth year as 1952, indicating he should have retired 12 years earlier. Consequently, Mahdi was recommended for compulsory retirement, and he is required to return 12 years’ worth of salaries and allowances.

Justice Peter Lifu was cleared of any allegations relating to his conduct during the Rivers State political crisis, with the council confirming he showed no misconduct or partiality.

These decisions underline the NJC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and enforcing stringent measures against ethical breaches.