Judicial Bombshell in Kogi: JSC Cracks Down on Misconduct with Harsh Disciplinary Actions

The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has sanctioned two judicial officers over misconduct, ordering the compulsory retirement of Judge Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele of the Area Court and suspending Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed from judicial duties for a period of two years, alongside a formal warning.

These disciplinary actions were announced following the Commission’s 136th meeting in Lokoja, as stated in an official release by the JSC Secretary, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, on Thursday.

In contrast, four other judicial officers—Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma Esq., and Anuhi Safiya Oiza—were cleared of the allegations brought against them.

Dr. Muhammed noted that the JSC reached its decisions based on findings and recommendations from its Disciplinary Committee, which conducted a thorough investigation into the misconduct cases.

He detailed the infractions of Judge Bamidele, stating that the judge purchased a property involved in a pending court case after ordering its sale, failed to complete the payment, and issued a court order without granting both parties a hearing—a serious breach of judicial ethics.

Additionally, the JSC has established a six-member committee to examine ways to improve the welfare of magistrates and area court judges. This committee is chaired by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah, and is expected to recommend measures for better working conditions for judicial officers.