The National Judicial Council (NJC) has affirmed that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC spokesperson Kemi Ogedengbe, the council emphasised that Ikpambese will continue in his role until the complaints against him are thoroughly investigated and reviewed by the council.
The Benue State House of Assembly had recommended the immediate removal of Ikpambese as the Chief Judge of Benue State, citing gross violations of ethical codes of conduct and actions deemed incompatible with the office of a judicial officer.
The Assembly further called for the immediate swearing-in of the next-in-line judicial officer as Acting Chief Judge of Benue State.
The decision was reached during a plenary session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, presided over by the Speaker, Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
According to a correspondence read by the Majority Leader, Comr. Saater Tiseer, the House accused Justice Ikpambese of abuse of office, financial misconduct, politica interference, industrial incitement and bribery and favouritism.
It accused him of “issuing directives to overturn the Benue State Electoral Law, which had been duly passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Governor.
“Financial Misconduct – Misappropriation and mismanagement of budgetary allocations and finances of the Benue State Judiciary.
“Political Interference – Engagement with politicians and political officeholders to influence judicial outcomes.
“Industrial Incitement – Indirect involvement in and incitement of industrial actions against the State Executive.
“Bribery and Favoritism – Allegations of bribery, undue favoritism, and insistence on appointing cronies to unmerited positions.”
During the voting process, 23 members of the House supported the recommendation for his removal.
Earlier on Wednesday, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) knocked the State House of Assembly for recommending the removal of Ikpambese from office.
The NBA said it viewed the Assembly’s recommendation for the Chief Judge’s removal as brazen assault on the Nigerian constitution.
The NBA in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN) and the General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, said the resolution of the House is not only unjustifiable but violates the spirit and intendment of the Nigerian constitution.
“The removal of a judicial officer, especially one occupying the esteemed position of Chief Judge, must adhere strictly to due process as outlined in our Constitution,” the NBA said.
“Any deviation from this process is a direct affront to the rule of law and poses a significant threat to our democracy.
“It is laughable for the House of Assembly of any state to purport to have the power to discuss much less recommend the removal of the Chief Judge of a State without the involvement of the National Judicial Council (NJC).”
