The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken decisive
action against the Chief Judge of Imo State, the Honourable Justice Theresa
Chukwuemeka-Chikeka.
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.”
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