NJC Retires Two, Places Two More on Watchlist

Stories by Steve Aya

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, due to age falsification. This decision was made during the NJC’s 107th meeting, which took place on November 13 and 14.

According to a statement from NJC spokesperson, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the Council has also suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State from performing judicial functions for one year without pay. He will subsequently be placed on a “watchlist” for two years.

Similarly, Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court has been suspended from performing judicial functions for one year without pay, and will also be placed on a “watchlist” for two years thereafter.

The NJC also reviewed the report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Commi-ttee, which examined a total of 30 petitions. As a result, six Committees were established for further investigation. The NJC dismissed 22 of the petitions filed against Judges due to lack of merit, and found that two cases were sub judice.

In another development, the National Judicial Council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has recommended High Court Judges for appointment at its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024.

A Friday statement posted on X and on the NJC website, revealed that these candidates have been nominated for judicial appointments across various States, awaiting approval from the respective State Governors. The recommendations include High Court Judges, Sharia Court Kadis, and Customary Court Judges across multiple States.