FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, citing gross violations of ethical codes of conduct and actions deemed incompatible with the office of a judicial officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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 18th, 2025, presided over by the Speaker, Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
According to a correspondence read by the Majority Leader, Comr. Saater Tiseer, the House outlined the following allegations against Justice Ikpambese:
- Abuse of Office – 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.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Centre, FIC Makurdi
