NJC Enforces Retirement of Two Judges for Age Falsification, Suspends Others for Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has taken significant disciplinary actions against several judges.

During its 107th meeting in Abuja, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judges due to age falsification and suspended others for various acts of misconduct.

The Council's decision affects Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State. Both were found guilty of falsifying their ages, with Justice Chikeka having two different birth dates on record 27 October 1956 and 27 October 1958.

The NJC determined that the earlier date was consistent until an affidavit in 2006 altered it to the latter. Similarly, Kadi Mahdi had multiple birth dates recorded, but his actual birth year was 1952, indicating he should have retired 12 years ago. As a result, both judges are required to refund all salaries and allowances received beyond their legitimate retirement dates.

In addition to these retirements, the NJC sanctioned Justice G.C. Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court. Justice Aguma was suspended for one year and placed on a two-year watch-list for aiding a litigant inappropriately and failing to consider a stay of execution.

Justice Nwabunike faced similar suspension and watch-listing for breaching the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and misusing judicial powers.