The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judicial officers over allegations of age falsification. The decision was made during the council’s 107th meeting, held on November 13 and 14, 2024.

In a statement issued on Friday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the affected officials are the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana.

Findings Against Justice Chikeka

Justice Chikeka was found to have declared inconsistent dates of birth—October 27, 1956, and October 27, 1958. The council established that the 1956 date was more consistent, but in 2006, Justice Chikeka swore an affidavit altering his date of birth to 1958. Consequently, the NJC recommended his compulsory retirement, effective from October 27, 2021. Furthermore, Justice Chikeka was directed to refund all salaries and allowances received after the 2021 date.

Findings Against Kadi Babagana

The council discovered that Kadi Babagana had listed three different birth dates: December 10, 1959, January 28, 1959, and July 1959. However, his actual birth year was determined to be 1952, meaning he should have retired 12 years ago. The NJC recommended his immediate compulsory retirement and directed him to refund all salaries and allowances received over the last 12 years.

Other Disciplinary Actions

• Justice G.C. Aguma (Rivers State High Court): Suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year “Watch-List” after his suspension ends.
• Justice A.O. Nwabunike (Anambra State High Court): Similarly suspended for one year without pay and also placed on a two-year “Watch-List.” He was found guilty of breaching judicial conduct rules and improperly granting ex parte orders without a Motion on Notice.

Letter of Caution

• Justice I.A. Jamil (Kogi State High Court): Received a caution for issuing an interim order that restrained the EFCC from prosecuting former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, a move deemed to require greater circumspection.
• Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice J.J. Majebi: Cautioned for assigning a sensitive case to a junior judge.

Petition Outcomes

The NJC reviewed 30 petitions, empanelled six for further investigation, dismissed 22 as lacking merit, and noted that two were subjudice. The council also deliberated on petitions against Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over conflicting judgments relating to the Rivers State local government election.

The NJC reiterated its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and emphasized that these measures are aimed at maintaining public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary.