In a decisive move to uphold judicial integrity, the Kogi State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of Judge Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele and suspended Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed for two years. These actions were taken during the commission’s 136th meeting held in Lokoja on May 5, 2025.
Judge Bamidele, serving in the Area Court system, was found guilty of misconduct involving a property under litigation in his court. He ordered the sale of the property, subsequently purchased it himself, and failed to complete the payment. This breach of judicial ethics led to his compulsory retirement.
Magistrate Muhammed was suspended from adjudicatory duties for two years and issued a formal warning. He was found to have issued a court order without affording the parties involved an opportunity to be heard, violating the principles of fair hearing.
The commission also reviewed allegations against other judicial officers, including Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma Esq., and Anuhi Safiya Oiza. After thorough investigations by the Disciplinary Committee, these individuals were exonerated of any wrongdoing.
Recognizing the need to support judicial officers, the JSC has established a six-member committee to explore ways to enhance the welfare of magistrates and Area Court judges. This committee is headed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah, SAN.
These measures underscore the Kogi State Judicial Service Commission’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within the judiciary and ensuring that justice is administered with integrity and fairness.
