National Judicial Council declares Benue chief judge’s removal invalid

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has reaffirmed that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge of Benue State, despite moves by the Benue State House of Assembly to remove him.

In a statement on Wednesday, NJC spokesperson Kemi Ogedengbe stated that the purported removal of Ikpambese cannot stand, as the council has not yet investigated or deliberated on the petition against him.

Part of the statement read: “The attention of the NJC has been drawn to reports that the Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution recommending the removal of the Chief Judge.

“Council wishes to reiterate that the Constitution clearly vests the discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the NJC, and due process has not been followed in this case.”

The NJC confirmed that while it had received a petition against Justice Ikpambese, the matter is still under review and will be handled in line with fair hearing principles.