The recent decision by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to enforce the compulsory retirement of nine judges from the Imo State Judiciary over age falsification casts a troubling light on the state of integrity within Nigeria’s judicial system. This disgraceful episode highlights more than just individual misconduct—it exposes a deep-rooted culture of corruption and impunity that continues to plague the country’s public service.

Although shocking, this revelation should come as no surprise. The manipulation of official age records to remain longer in public service has become a widespread and entrenched practice across Nigeria’s civil and public sectors. What makes this situation particularly disturbing is that the offenders are judges, individuals who are meant to serve as custodians of justice and uphold the rule of law. Their participation in such criminal acts shatters public trust and erodes the moral foundation of the judiciary.

The Pattern of Fraud: More Than a Judicial Problem

Unfortunately, the judiciary is far from being the only arena where this form of deception thrives. Across ministries, departments, agencies, the armed forces, and even executive offices, falsifying age has become a common tactic used by officials to extend their tenure and unjustly benefit from public funds.

This fraudulent behavior confers undeserved advantages on those who engage in it, allowing them to illegally collect salaries, pensions, and allowances well beyond their lawful retirement dates. Worse still, their continued presence in the system stifles career growth for younger, competent professionals who are denied promotion opportunities, placement, or leadership roles.

According to established public service regulations, every Nigerian civil servant must retire after 35 years of service or upon attaining the age of 60, whichever occurs first. In specific sectors such as universities or the judiciary, the age limit can rise to 65 or 70, depending on the statute. Regardless, willfully altering one’s official date of birth to remain in service constitutes fraud, which should be treated as a criminal offence and not just an administrative infraction.

Imo State Judges: A Disturbing Case of Systemic Rot

The NJC’s action against the nine Imo State judges sends a strong message—but it must not end there. According to the Council, these judges altered their official birth dates to “unfairly extend their stay in office.” Even more alarming is the revelation that four of the culprits served in the Court of Appeal’s Customary Division, an elite arm of the judiciary.

What does it say about the health of a justice system when high-ranking judges resort to forgery and deceit? These are individuals responsible for ruling on cases involving fraud, corruption, and criminality, yet they themselves are guilty of the very offenses they condemn. The hypocrisy is staggering, and the implications for public confidence in the judiciary are dire.

The NJC must expand its probe. If nine judges from just one state can be found guilty of age falsification, it is highly likely that many more across the federation are engaging in similar behavior. Without comprehensive auditing and accountability, this practice will persist and continue to damage the country’s legal and administrative systems.

A Pattern of Deception: Not the First, Likely Not the Last

This is not an isolated case. In 2020, the NJC uncovered a similar offense involving the Grand Khadi of Yobe State, who had altered his birth records to appear five years younger. Shockingly, his successor was later discovered to have shaved a full 12 years off his actual age. These examples demonstrate that the problem is systemic, not circumstantial.

Even the highest judicial offices have not been immune. Years ago, a Chief Justice of Nigeria was dragged before a court on allegations of doctoring his age. Though the case was dismissed due to procedural issues, it was eventually confirmed after his retirement that he had reduced his official age by three years to remain in office longer.

Retirement Is Not Enough—Criminal Prosecution Must Follow

The NJC’s decision to enforce retirement should not be the final step. Compulsory retirement, in cases like these, serves as a mere slap on the wrist. It fails to acknowledge the criminal dimension of the offense. Those who falsify public records should not just lose their jobs—they must face the full weight of the law.

This means they should:

• Refund all salaries, pensions, and benefits illegally earned during their period of overstay.

• Face hefty fines.

• Be subject to criminal prosecution and imprisonment, where applicable.

Until the government applies such tough consequences, the cycle of impunity will continue.

Age Fraud Across the Public Sector: A National Disgrace

Outside the judiciary, age falsification has long infected other arms of Nigeria’s public sector. In the military, the police, the civil service, and even government agencies, this deception remains widespread. Although some officials have been caught, the usual penalty remains administrative dismissal with no criminal consequences.

Take the case of General Muhammad Fadah, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). In 2022, he was found to have altered his date of birth, yet he faced no charges—only a quiet dismissal. Similarly, the Delta State Government recently retired over 200 civil servants for age falsification, some of whom overstayed by as many as five years. Yet again, no prosecution followed; the culprits were merely shown the door.

This weak response sends the wrong signal. It reinforces the notion that public officials can break the rules and walk away unpunished.

The Bigger Picture: Corruption and Institutional Failure

Corruption in age records is only a small piece of the broader dysfunction affecting Nigeria’s public institutions. In Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for 2024, Nigeria scored a dismal 26 out of 100, ranking 140th out of 180 countries. These kinds of internal frauds, often hidden from public view, erode integrity and undermine governance.

As long as the state fails to treat age falsification and other forms of internal deceit as serious crimes, Nigeria will remain on the back foot in its fight against corruption.

What Needs to Be Done

To address this crisis, several key reforms are urgently needed:

1. Comprehensive Audits – The NJC and other government bodies must initiate nationwide audits to verify the service records of public officials.

2. Digital Record Systems – Implement centralized, tamper-proof digital personnel databases that link age documentation to biometric identification.

3. Strict Legal Penalties – Pass laws mandating criminal prosecution, asset recovery, and public blacklisting for all proven offenders.

4. Whistleblower Incentives – Protect and reward civil servants who report age falsification or document forgery.

5. Public Transparency – Publish the names and details of those found guilty to deter others from similar acts.

Conclusion: End the Culture of Deception

The fraudulent manipulation of age records is not a victimless crime. It robs the public of integrity in governance, stifles opportunities for younger generations, and reflects a toxic culture of self-interest. The judiciary, above all institutions, must set the gold standard for ethical behavior. When judges become the very perpetrators of fraud, the justice system suffers a legitimacy crisis.

If Nigeria is serious about restoring credibility to its institutions and building a society grounded in fairness and merit, it must confront this problem head-on, with courage, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Until the system holds public officials accountable—not just with dismissals, but with real consequences—age falsification will remain a symbol of the rot in Nigeria’s broken bureaucracy.