NJC Retires Imo Chief Judge and Yobe Kadi for Age Falsification, Suspends Two Judges for Misconduct

On Friday, the National Judicial Council (NJC) announced that it has sanctioned four judges for misconduct, including age falsification. The decisions were made during the NJC’s 107th meeting, held on November 13 and 14, 2024, and chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.  

The council recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, for altering their ages. Investigations revealed that Justice Chikeka altered his date of birth to extend his service, while Kadi Mahdi manipulated records to stay in office 12 years past retirement age.

The NJC’s statement, signed by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, stated that Justice Chikeka’s retirement was effective from October 27, 2021. He was also ordered to return all salaries and allowances he received after that date. Both judges were told to refund any money earned during their extra time in office.

The council also suspended Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court for one year without pay. Justice Aguma was placed on a two-year watchlist for misconduct, while Justice Nwabunike faced the same punishment for breaking judicial rules and issuing improper ex parte orders.

Due to a lack of evidence, the NJC dismissed several petitions against other judges, such as Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court. However, it issued warning letters to some judges for procedural errors.  The NJC pledged to keep its members in check and remain committed to maintaining judicial integrity.

However, the council has often been the subject of public criticism for allowing and engaging in corruption, especially in election cases. After Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, many questioned court rulings that favoured Bola Tinubu despite evidence of vote rigging. Several Nigerians have, since then, alleged that many judges prioritise political connections over justice.

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