The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption organization in Nigeria, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prosecute two senior judges recently indicted for falsifying their ages.
In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group urged the ICPC to take decisive legal action against Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana, Grand Kadi of Yobe State Sharia Court. The call follows the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation for their compulsory retirement at its meeting on November 13-14, 2024.
According to the NJC, Justice Chikeka altered his birth year from 1956 to 1958, while Kadi Babagana falsified his birth year from 1952 to 1959. Both were ordered to refund all salaries and allowances received beyond their lawful retirement dates.
While acknowledging the NJC’s disciplinary action, HEDA emphasized that this step alone is insufficient. “This offense is egregious and violates the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000. We, therefore, demand that the Commission diligently prosecute these judges who have been thoroughly investigated and indicted,” Suraju stated.
The civil society organization stressed that age falsification by senior judicial officers not only contravenes ethical and legal standards but also erodes public confidence in the judiciary. “This is about restoring integrity and accountability in public institutions,” Suraju added.
HEDA reiterated its commitment to supporting the ICPC in its mission to combat corruption and promote transparency. “We look forward to swift action from the Commission,” the petition concluded.
Meanwhile, this development underscores HEDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure public accountability in Nigeria’s institutions, particularly within the judiciary.