The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, recommended the mandatory retirement of Imo State’s Chief Judge, Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and Yobe State’s Grand Kadi, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, for falsifying their ages.
This was announced following the NJC’s 107th meeting, held on November 13 and 14, 2024, as detailed in a statement from Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, Esq., NJC Deputy Director (Information), released on Friday..
The statement reads in part; “Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka was recommended to the Governor of Imo State for compulsory retirement with effect from 27 October 2021, while all salaries and allowance received in excess by His Lordship from 27 October 2021 till date should be refunded to the Council.
“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 to be the consistent date of birth, but in 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing the date of birth to 27 October 1958.
“Similarly, Council finds that Hon. Kadi Mahdi has 3 different dates of birth (10 December, 28 January and July) all in 1959, while his actual date of birth was 1952.
“The Council held that Grand Kadi Mahdi committed an act of misconduct in violation of Rule 02908 (i) and (ii) of the Public Service Rules, 2021 and ought to have retired from service 12 years ago.
“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.
“The Council at its meeting, also issued letter of caution to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State to be more circumspect in handling sensitive matters in the future.”
