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 for one year without pay over misconduct. Both judges will remain on the NJC’s watch list for an additional two years after serving their suspensions.
The decision, announced in a statement on Friday, November 15, 2024, followed the NJC’s 107th meeting, presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, held on November 13 and 14. The council also sanctioned five other judicial officers and recommended two heads of courts for compulsory retirement over falsification of their ages.
Misconduct Findings Against Aguma and Nwabunike
Justice G. C. Aguma was found culpable for aiding a litigant in improperly transferring a garnishee proceeding from Abuja to his court in Rivers State. The council noted irregularities, including Aguma’s failure to address a stay of execution order granted by a Bwari High Court, casting doubt on his impartiality.
Justice A. O. Nwabunike was penalized for violating the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, granting ex parte orders without requisite motions and disregarding judicial precedents.
Age Falsification Scandals Lead to Compulsory Retirement
The Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were recommended for compulsory retirement due to discrepancies in their birth records.
Justice Chikeka altered his birth year from 1956 to 1958 through a sworn affidavit in 2006, extending his service beyond constitutional limits. Similarly, Kadi Mahdi falsified three birthdates but was confirmed to have been born in 1952, making him 12 years overdue for retirement. Both have been ordered to refund salaries and allowances received during their overstay.
Other NJC Actions
The council dismissed frivolous petitions against other judges, cautioning litigants and legal practitioners against blackmail through baseless allegations. Among those cleared were Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court and Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, whose petitions lacked merit or evidence of misconduct.
The NJC also recommended 36 candidates for judicial appointments across several states, including eight judges for the Oyo State High Court and seven for the Sokoto State High Court.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
This sweeping disciplinary action underscores the NJC’s commitment to maintaining judicial integrity. Legal experts have praised the council’s decisive actions, highlighting the importance of accountability in rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary.
