The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission has compulsorily retired a judge, Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele, over grave misconduct and suspended Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed for two years.
The Commission announced the sanctions on Thursday after its 136th statutory meeting held in Lokoja.
The Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, who made the announcement, said the disciplinary actions were based on the recommendations of the Commission’s Disciplinary Committee, which investigated allegations against several judicial officers.
Justice Bamidele was found guilty of corrupt practices, including abuse of office, manipulation of court proceedings, and violation of judicial ethics.
According to the Commission, he ordered the sale of a property under litigation and proceeded to purchase it himself, despite failing to make full payment.
He also issued a court order in the case without granting both parties a fair hearing.
“This conduct not only violates the code of ethics for judicial officers but undermines the very foundation of justice delivery,” Dr. Muhammed stated.
Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed was suspended for dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer. He will remain out of adjudicatory roles for two years and has received a formal warning from the Commission.
In a contrasting development, four other officers—Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma, Esq., and Anuhi Safiya Oiza—were exonerated of various allegations due to lack of evidence.
To forestall future misconduct and boost morale within the judiciary, the Commission also constituted a six-man committee headed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing the welfare conditions of magistrates and area court judges.
The Commission reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct, stressing that any officer found wanting would be dealt with decisively, regardless of rank.
“This is a clear message that the judiciary in Kogi will not be a safe haven for corrupt elements,” Dr. Muhammed added.
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