The National Judicial Council (NJC) has imposed a one-year suspension without pay on two Nigerian judges, Justice G.C. Aguma of Rivers State and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Courts, following findings of misconduct.
Both judges were also placed under a two-year watch list after the suspension period.
NJC Forces Two Popular Judges into Retirement, Orders Salary Refund Over Shocking Age Fraud
The NJC’s decision, announced on Friday, followed deliberations at its 107th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on November 13 and 14, 2024.
During the meeting, the council reviewed multiple petitions against judicial officers and took action against several for various forms of misconduct.
Details of the Misconducts
Justice Aguma was found guilty of aiding a litigant in obtaining a judgment from the FCT High Court, Abuja, and subsequently granting a garnishee order in his own court in Bori Division, Rivers State.
This action was deemed inappropriate, as the judgment could have been enforced in Abuja. The NJC also cited Aguma’s failure to consider a stay of execution order granted by another court.
Justice Nwabunike’s suspension stemmed from breaching the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by failing to uphold legal principles in his rulings, including granting ex parte orders without proper procedural motions. His actions were deemed to have undermined judicial integrity.
Other Sanctions and Recommendations
The NJC also recommended compulsory retirement for two judicial officers: Hon. Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, over falsification of their ages.
Chikeka, who had two conflicting birthdates, had swore an affidavit in 2006 to alter his date of birth. Similarly, Mahdi was found to have multiple birthdates, with the council determining his actual age to be 1952. Both officers are also required to refund salaries received after they were due for retirement.
Other Actions by the NJC
The NJC dismissed several petitions for lack of merit, including one against Hon. Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, related to bribery and misconduct allegations. The council found no evidence to substantiate the claims.
In addition, the council issued letters of caution to some judges, urging greater care in handling sensitive matters. A number of judicial appointments were also approved, with 36 candidates recommended for various judicial positions across several states.
As part of its efforts to uphold judicial standards, the NJC also warned legal practitioners against submitting frivolous petitions aimed at discrediting judges, promising to report such practitioners to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.
