Kogi JSC Retires Judge Over Misconduct, Suspends Magistrate for Two Years

The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of Hon. Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele, a Judge in the Area Court system, over acts of professional misconduct.

The decision was reached during the Commission’s 136th meeting held on Monday.

Justice Bamidele was found to have purchased a building that was the subject of litigation before him—a property he had earlier ordered to be sold—and subsequently failed to make full payment for it. The Commission deemed this conduct unethical and incompatible with judicial office.

In a similar disciplinary action, the Commission suspended Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed from adjudicatory duties for a period of two years.
He is also to receive a formal letter of warning after it was established that he issued a court order without giving the parties an opportunity to be heard, thereby violating the principles of fair hearing.

Meanwhile, the Commission cleared several judicial officers of wrongdoing following investigations. Those exonerated include: Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma, Esq. And Ms. Anuhi Safiya Oiza

The allegations against them were investigated by the Disciplinary Committee of the JSC, which found them to be baseless and recommended their discharge.

In a related development, the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, revealed that a six-man committee has been inaugurated to explore strategies for improving the welfare of Magistrates and Area Court Judges in the state.
The committee is chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah, SAN.