NJC Suspends Rivers and Anambra High Court Judges for Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken decisive action by suspending Justice G. C Aguma from the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A.O Nwabunike from the Anambra State High Court. Both judges have been suspended from performing judicial duties for a year without pay and will remain on a watch list for an additional two years.

This move came during the 107th Meeting of the NJC, held on November 13 and 14, 2024, under the leadership of Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria. The meeting also saw the sanctioning of five judicial officers, highlighting the NJC’s commitment to addressing misconduct within the judiciary.

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In addition to the suspensions, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of two prominent judicial figures: Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the Chief Judge of Imo State, and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, both found guilty of falsifying their ages.

The NJC reviewed a total of 30 petitions in its meeting, with six committees formed for further investigations. While 22 petitions were dismissed for lack of merit, two were held under judicial consideration. Furthermore, a committee has been set up to investigate ongoing complaints and petitions against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State.