From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of 10 judges in Imo State over allegations of falsifying their dates of birth.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following the Council’s 109th meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The affected judges include five from the High Court—Justices M. E. Nwagboso, B. C. Iheka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, and Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi—and four from the Customary Court of Appeal: Justices Tennyson Nze, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe.
Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was also recommended for compulsory retirement for presenting himself to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State despite being fourth in the order of seniority—a violation of Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The NJC reiterated its directive to Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge.
Meanwhile, the Council cleared nine other judges who were under investigation for similar allegations. Three were exonerated due to the absence of discrepancies in their birth records, while six others were found to have made genuine corrections or provided satisfactory explanations.
In a separate disciplinary measure, the NJC barred Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years.
He was found guilty of misconduct for ordering the confiscation of over ₦1 billion belonging to the Nasarawa State Government despite a pending appeal and stay of execution application.
The Council also faulted his refusal to recuse himself from the case and his use of official court letterhead to request payment of personal gratuity, which was considered a violation of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Additionally, four other judges were issued formal cautions for offences ranging from abuse of judicial discretion to delays in delivering judgments beyond the constitutionally allowed 90-day window. Among those cautioned was the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
The NJC also approved the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Ademola Bakre of the Ogun State High Court and Justice H. O. Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court.
In a related development, the Council recommended 21 candidates for judicial appointments across various states.
These include two new Heads of Court for Ekiti and Yobe States, and the appointment of Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, Esq., as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The recommendations followed a rigorous interview process and a review of public feedback, with 85 percent of the input rated as favourable.
