The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has made significant decisions regarding judicial integrity. During its 107th meeting held on November 13-14, 2024, the NJC recommended compulsory retirement for two judges due to judicial misconduct and suspended two others for a year without pay.

The affected judges include the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi. Both were found guilty of falsifying their dates of birth, an act that undermines the integrity of the judiciary.

Justice Chikeka was found to have inconsistencies in his birth date, with records showing both October 27, 1956, and October 27, 1958. In 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing his birth date to 1958. Meanwhile, Kadi Mahdi was found to have three different birth dates, all in 1959, while his actual date of birth is 1952.

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In addition to the retirements, the NJC also handed down a one-year suspension without pay to Justice G. C. Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court. Both judges were placed on a “Watch-List” for two years following their suspension.

Justice Aguma was found guilty of misconduct for aiding a litigant in obtaining a judgment at the FCT High Court, Abuja, and failing to address the issues surrounding garnishee proceedings in Rivers State. Meanwhile, Justice Nwabunike was reprimanded for breaching judicial conduct rules and improperly granting ex parte orders.

These actions were part of a broader review by the NJC, which examined 30 petitions, resulting in 22 being dismissed and two put on hold due to ongoing legal proceedings. The council is also investigating other complaints against Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.