Breaking: NJC Orders Immediate Retirement of Kebbi Judge who was due for retirement since 2012 but falsified his age to remain in service, Orders him to Refund 12 Years undue Salary
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the immediate retirement of Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State Sharia Court of Appeal, after discovering that he falsified his date of birth, enabling him to remain in office 12 years beyond his legitimate retirement date.
This decision was made during the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13-14, 2024, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON.
Findings Against Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi
The NJC’s investigation revealed that Kadi Mahdi submitted three conflicting dates of birth—December 10, 1959; January 28, 1959; and July 1959. However, evidence indicated that his actual date of birth was 1952, making him eligible for retirement in 2012.
Citing this discrepancy as a violation of Rule 02908 (i) and (ii) of the Public Service Rules, 2021, the NJC concluded that Mahdi committed an act of gross misconduct by falsifying his official records.
Mandated Actions
- Immediate Retirement:
The NJC recommended Kadi Mahdi’s compulsory retirement to the Governor of Yobe State, effective immediately. - Refund of Salaries and Allowances:
Kadi Mahdi has been ordered to refund 12 years’ worth of salaries and allowances received since 2012, when he should have exited service.
Other Key NJC Decisions
During the meeting, the NJC also took the following actions:
- Recommended Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, for compulsory retirement due to age falsification.
- Suspended Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma (Rivers State High Court) and Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike (Anambra State High Court) for one year without pay for acts of judicial misconduct.
Additionally, the NJC dismissed numerous unsubstantiated petitions against other judicial officers and recommended 36 judges for appointments in various states to fill critical judicial positions.
