The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has recommended the compulsory retirement of two judicial officers over allegations of misconduct involving age falsification.

The affected officials are the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi. The decision was reached during the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024.

A statement issued by Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, disclosed that Kadi Mahdi was found to have three different dates of birth—December 10, January 28, and July 1959—while his actual year of birth was confirmed as 1952. Similarly, Justice Chikeka was discovered to have two conflicting dates of birth: October 27, 1956, and October 27, 1958. Despite the earlier date being consistent, the judge reportedly swore to an affidavit in 2006, altering it to the latter.

The council also suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court for one year without pay, placing both on a two-year “Watch-List.”

Justice Aguma was accused of misconduct in aiding a litigant to enforce a judgment inappropriately transferred to his court in Bori, Rivers State, from the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The NJC found irregularities in his actions, including ignoring a stay of execution granted by another court.

Justice Nwabunike was sanctioned for breaching judicial conduct rules, granting ex parte orders improperly, and misinterpreting legal terms, which resulted in procedural irregularities.

The NJC considered 30 petitions during its meeting, dismissing 22 for lack of merit and empaneling six committees to investigate others. Among the cases to be further reviewed is a petition against Justice O. A. Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State.

The council emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring accountability among judicial officers.