The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission has ordered the compulsory retirement of Judge Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele of the Area Court following findings of gross misconduct.
The decision was reached at the commission’s 136th meeting held in Lokoja.
The Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, noting that Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed was also suspended from adjudicatory duties for two years and issued a formal warning.
According to the statement, the disciplinary actions followed a review of recommendations submitted by the commission’s Disciplinary Committee.
“The judge was found culpable of purchasing a property that was the subject of a case he was presiding over. He ordered the sale of the property, failed to remit full payment, and issued a judgment without granting both parties a fair hearing,” Dr. Muhammed explained.
He further noted that the commission also cleared four other judicial officers of alleged misconduct. These include Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma Esq., and Anuhi Safiya Oiza.
To address concerns within the judiciary, Dr. Muhammed revealed that a six-member committee has been established to explore ways of improving the welfare of magistrates and Area Court judges in the state.
“The welfare of our judicial officers is crucial to the delivery of justice. The Commission is committed to ensuring they operate under conditions that promote integrity and efficiency,” he added.
The committee is chaired by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah.
The Kogi JSC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards and discipline within the judiciary to maintain public confidence in the justice system.