NJC Suspends Rivers, Anambra High Court Judges, Recommends Compulsory Retirement for Two Others Over Age Falsification

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice G.C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court from performing judicial duties.

Both judges were suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list thereafter.

This decision was made during the NJC’s 107th meeting, which took place on November 13 and 14, 2024, and was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In total, five serving judicial officers were sanctioned for various forms of misconduct.

Additionally, the NJC recommended compulsory retirement for two judicial judges, Hon. Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, due to the falsification of their ages.

The Council also reviewed the Report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which examined 30 petitions. Of these, 22 were dismissed for lack of merit, while two were sub judice.

The NJC also formed a committee to investigate all complaints and petitions involving Hon. Justice O.A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.