NJC Orders Compulsory Retirement of 11 Judges, 10 from Imo Judiciary

The National Judicial Council (NJC), during its 109th meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has recommended the compulsory retirement of 11 judges — 10 of whom are from the Imo State judiciary — for various acts of professional misconduct and constitutional violations.

According to a statement released by NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, nine of the sanctioned Imo judges were found to have falsified their dates of birth to remain longer in office. One other, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu, was punished for making himself available to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge despite not being the most senior judge — a move considered unconstitutional.

In a separate case, Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court was barred from elevation for three years after being found guilty of misconduct in a ₦1 billion case involving the Nasarawa State Government. He was accused of bias, using court resources for personal matters, and breaching the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Meanwhile, the NJC also approved appointments for several judges across states. Among them are:

• Ekiti State: Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye as Chief Judge

• Yobe State: Hon. Kadi Abba Mammadi as Grand Kadi

• Code of Conduct Tribunal: Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar as Chairman

Additional judges were recommended for appointment in Cross River, Ogun, Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Sharia Courts of Appeal in different states.

The NJC also cleared several Imo State judges of allegations, stating that some discrepancies in their birth records were due to genuine corrections or bore no merit. The Council instructed the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to swear in the most senior judicial officer as Acting Chief Judge in compliance with constitutional provisions.

In a related disciplinary move, the Council:

• Cautioned four judges for abuse of judicial discretion or procedural delay

• Issued a final warning to two judges for constitutional violations

• Dismissed petitions against five judges, citing lack of merit or sub judice

The NJC also absolved the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice M. A. Ikpambese, of wrongdoing, but expressed concern over the role of the Attorney-General of Benue State, Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, in what it described as a deliberate attempt to remove the Chief Judge. The Attorney-General will be reported to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee.

Lastly, the NJC blacklisted one Peter N. Ekemezie, labeling him a serial petitioner and barring him from filing further petitions before the Council.