# Tags

BREAKING NEWS: NJC RETIRES 10 IMO JUDGES OVER AGE FALSIFICATION, MISCONDUCT

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved the compulsory retirement of 10 judges from the Imo State Judiciary, following a thorough investigation into allegations of age falsification and misconduct. This decision was made at the NJC’s 109th meeting held on June 25, 2025, under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Nine of the affected judges were found to have falsified their dates of birth to prolong their tenure in office beyond the constitutionally stipulated retirement age. They include Justices M. E. Nwagboso, B. C. Iheka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Tennyson Nze, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was also retired for allowing himself to be sworn in as acting Chief Judge of Imo State, despite being fourth in line, which contravened Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The NJC has reiterated its directive to Governor Hope Uzodinma to swear in the most senior judge as acting Chief Judge. In a separate case, the NJC barred Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years due to gross misconduct. Essien was found guilty of wrongly ordering the confiscation of over N1 billion belonging to Nasarawa State despite an ongoing appeal and application for stay of execution. The NJC also approved the voluntary retirement of Justices Babatunde Ademola Bakre of Ogun State High Court and H. O. Ajayi of Kwara State High Court. In addition to these retirements, the NJC recommended 21 individuals for various judicial appointments across the country. Among them are Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye as Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Kadi Abba Mammadi as Grand Kadi of Yobe State, and Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The NJC also reviewed 30 petitions from its complaints committees, issuing warnings to four judges for various infractions, including misuse of judicial power and delays in judgment delivery. Justice Rahman A. Oshodi, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Justice G. B. Okolosi, and Justice Sa’adatu I. Mark were among those cautioned. The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice M. A. Ikpambese, was cleared of any wrongdoing after the council dismissed three petitions against him. However, the NJC resolved to report the State’s Attorney-General, Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee for his alleged involvement in a plot to remove Ikpambese from office. The NJC’s actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding the integrity and accountability of the judiciary. Peter N. Ekemezie, a serial petitioner, has been blacklisted from submitting future complaints to the Council.