Breaking: NJC Orders Immediate Retirement of Imo Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chikeka for Age Falsification, Orders Her to refund undue Salary paid to her Since 2021
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the immediate retirement of Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the Chief Judge of Imo State, following revelations that he falsified his date of birth to remain in office beyond the lawful retirement age.
The decision, reached at the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13-14, 2024, was chaired by Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Findings Against Justice Chikeka
Investigations revealed that Justice Chikeka’s records contained two conflicting dates of birth:
- October 27, 1956 (his original date of birth), and
- October 27, 1958, which he adopted through a sworn affidavit in 2006.
By altering his date of birth, Chikeka extended his tenure unlawfully by two years. This contravention was deemed a serious violation of judicial ethics and public service rules.
NJC’s Directives
- Compulsory Retirement:
Justice Chikeka has been recommended for immediate retirement, retroactively effective from October 27, 2021, the date his tenure should have ended based on his original date of birth. - Refund of Salaries and Allowances:
The NJC directed Chikeka to refund all salaries and allowances he earned between October 2021 and the present.
Other Decisions from the NJC Meeting
The NJC also addressed other cases of judicial misconduct, including:
- The compulsory retirement of Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, for a similar case of falsified age records, allowing him to overstay in office by 12 years.
- Suspensions for Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma (Rivers State High Court) and Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike (Anambra State High Court) for one year without pay, followed by placement on a watch-list for two years.
Additionally, the NJC recommended 36 judicial appointments across several states to enhance the judiciary’s capacity.
