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Ten Nigerian judges sacked for falsifying age to extend tenure

Published

10 months ago

June 27, 2025

Ten Nigerian judges sacked for falsifying age to extend tenure

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved the compulsory retirement of ten judges in Imo State, nine of whom were found guilty of falsifying their dates of birth to unlawfully extend their tenure in office.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, the resolution was reached during the Council’s 109th meeting held on June 25, and chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

According to the Council, the nine judges, comprising five from the High Court and four from the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State, altered their official records in a deliberate effort to remain in service beyond the legal retirement age, an act described by the NJC as a serious breach of judicial integrity.

In addition to the nine, another judge, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu, was sanctioned for misconduct after making himself available to be sworn in as acting Chief Judge of the Imo State High Court despite being fourth in the hierarchy.

The Council said this act contravened Section 271 (4) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Although Justice Nzeukwu was penalised, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in the state, Justice V. U. Okorie, who chaired the commission that recommended Nzeukwu for the position, was absolved, having officially dissented from the nomination.

The NJC noted that its decisions followed thorough investigations into allegations of age falsification against 18 judges in Imo State.

Three judges were cleared after their records showed no discrepancies, while six others were exonerated on the grounds that their date-of-birth irregularities were either minor or were corrected to their disadvantage.

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The NJC reiterated its earlier directive to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to appoint the most senior judge in the state judiciary as acting Chief Judge.

Furthermore, the Council barred Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years.

He was found guilty of misconduct after ordering the confiscation of over N1bn belonging to the Nasarawa State Government despite ongoing appeal proceedings.

Justice Essien, a former employee of the state university, reportedly used the court’s official letterhead to demand payment of his gratuity and even made an inappropriate personal visit to the Court of Appeal registry to check on the appeal status of the case.

The NJC ruled that these actions were clear violations of the judicial code of conduct.

Beyond the Imo judiciary, the NJC reviewed 30 petitions against judicial officers nationwide.

Four petitions were referred for further investigation, while four judges were cautioned for judicial missteps, including Justices Rahman Oshodi and Daniel Okungbowa of Lagos and Edo States respectively, for misuse of discretion in cases under them.

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Justice G. B. Okolosi of the Delta State High Court received a final warning for consistent delays in judgment delivery, while Justice Sa’adatu Mark of the Federal High Court was cautioned for exceeding the constitutionally allowed 90-day period for delivering judgment.

In Benue State, the Chief Judge, Justice M. A. Ikpambese, was absolved of allegations of judicial misconduct. However, the NJC expressed concern over what it described as a coordinated attempt to remove him from office, allegedly orchestrated by the state’s Attorney-General, Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim.

The Council said Mnyim would be referred to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee for further action.

Meanwhile, the Council also considered complaints against several judicial candidates and recommended the appointment of 21 individuals to various courts across Nigeria, including new judges for the High Courts in Ekiti, Ogun, Cross River, Zamfara, Katsina, and Plateau States, as well as Kadis for Sharia Courts and a chairman for the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

In line with its policy of transparency, the NJC said it had received and reviewed 86 public comments on the shortlisted candidates, 73 of which were favourable. Of the 13 adverse comments, five were not considered due to failure to meet required verification standards.

The Council also reaffirmed its decision to publish names of candidates for judicial appointments for public scrutiny, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and integrity in the judiciary.

Ten Nigerian judges sacked for falsifying age to extend tenure

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Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor

Published

8 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Sunday disclosed the arrest of one Pastor Asonye Isaiah, 37, of Rock of Love and Adoration Ground, Old Karshi, Abuja, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl.

The arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Karishi Division on Saturday, 18th April, 2026, at about 8:00pm.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “possessed” and required cleansing at a river.

According to the Command spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, Isaiah instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, Nasarawa State where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.

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He said, “The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her.

“The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.

Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor

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Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid

Published

14 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Police Station in Warri, Delta State, has been accused of ordering officers to brutally assault, strip naked, and force confessions from 15 women during a controversial police raid.

The allegation was made public by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and one of the victims, Janet James George, in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), which has since sparked widespread outrage.

According to the victim’s account, the women were arrested during a raid around the Delta Mall area and taken to the Ugborikoko Police Station, where they were detained overnight before the alleged assault occurred the following day.

She alleged that the DPO personally supervised the operation and instructed officers—reportedly dressed in plain clothes—to flog the women with wires and force them to confess to prostitution.

“They flogged us naked… they used wire to flog us… if you say you are not a prostitute, they will slap you and beat you until you agree,” she alleged.

She further claimed that the women were beaten for several hours, forced to sign statements admitting to prostitution, and filmed during the ordeal.

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The victim also alleged that some of the women sustained injuries to sensitive parts of their bodies, making it difficult for them to walk or use the toilet after the incident.

The alleged abuse has drawn strong reactions from rights advocates, who have called for a transparent investigation into the conduct of officers at the station and accountability if the claims are verified.

The incident is said to have occurred on April 10.

Reacting to the viral video, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State, DSP Bright Edafe, condemned the allegations, describing them as “painful and very sad.”

He confirmed that the command has begun reviewing the case and assured that appropriate action would be taken.

“The command has received this report… no human being should be given this treatment no matter what. The command is presently giving it all the attention it deserves,” Edafe said.

He also urged the victim to formally reach out to the command to assist ongoing investigations.

The case adds to growing scrutiny of alleged misconduct within police divisions in Nigeria, with renewed calls for reforms, improved accountability, and adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement operations.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to verify the claims and determine the next steps.

Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid

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Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack

Published

29 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack

Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another resident following a late-night attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The monarch, Oba Salman Aweda, who was recently elevated by the Kwara State Government, was among those kidnapped when armed attackers stormed his palace around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, firing sporadically to scare residents before whisking away the monarch, his wife, and one other victim to an unknown destination.

A resident who spoke on the incident said the attackers operated freely despite the late hour, leaving the community in fear.

“It happened around 1 a.m. in Olayinka. His wife and one other person were also taken. The monarch is one of those recently graded,” the source said.

Another resident described the raid as swift and terrifying, noting that no resistance could be mounted against the heavily armed attackers.

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“The bandits came heavily armed around 1:40 a.m. and took the monarch away. There was fear everywhere,” the resident added.

Confirming the attack, the Olora of Ora, Oba Rilwan Yekini, said the incident reflects worsening insecurity in neighbouring communities, warning that rural settlements are increasingly under threat.

“Just yesterday before dawn, kidnappers struck at Olayinka village and abducted the monarch and two others. Even Ora is no longer safe,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen security operations in the area, stressing that local vigilante groups and security personnel need more support to respond effectively.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as distressing, confirming that a joint search-and-rescue operation had been launched.

According to him, security operatives, local vigilantes, and forest guards have begun combing surrounding forests and communities in efforts to rescue the victims.

“We are deeply concerned and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said.

He urged residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command said efforts have been intensified to track down the kidnappers. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, noted that security operatives are closing in on the suspects, although he expressed concern over possible insider collaboration.

“The kidnappers have gone into hiding because of the ongoing onslaught against them. The challenge is the activities of local collaborators, but we are on their trail,” he said.

The incident adds to a growing wave of abductions in parts of Kwara North and South, where rural communities and traditional institutions have increasingly become targets of armed groups.

Authorities say operations are ongoing as security forces intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.