The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken decisive action against the Chief Judge of Imo State, the Honourable Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
At its 107th meeting in Abuja, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the NJC directed the Imo State Governor to retire Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka with effect from 2021.
The NJC further ordered Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka to return all salaries and allowances she received since October 27, 2021, to the NJC’s coffers.
Chukwuemeka-Chikeka was found guilty of falsifying her age. According to the NJC, she should have retired in 2021.
The effort to remove Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka over age falsification has lasted nearly a year, beginning with a petition submitted to the Imo State House of Assembly. After investigating, the House found her guilty and recommended her retirement. However, she pursued legal battles in an attempt to clear her name and retain her position.
Despite her efforts, the NJC upheld the allegations, stating, “The recommendation was pursuant to the findings of the Council that His Lordship has two different dates of birth: 27 October 1956 and 27 October 1958.
“However, 27 October 1956 appeared consistent date of birth, but in 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing the date of birth to 27 October, 1958.”
The NJC also recommended the compulsory retirement of the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, for age falsification. He was found to have used three different birth dates: 10 December, 28 January, and July, all in 1959. His actual birth year was determined to be 1952.
Regarding Kadi Babagana Mahdi, the NJC stated, “The Council, therefore, resolved to recommend Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi for compulsory retirement to the Governor of Yobe State and that he should refund all salaries and allowances received for the past 12 years.”