NJC gets 24hrs ultimatum to probe embattled Benue Chief Judge, Ikpambese

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has been given a 48-hour ultimatum to investigate allegations of misconduct against the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

A coalition of civil society organizations, operating under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance and Transparency in Nigeria issued the ultimatum at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

The group, led by Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, accused Justice Ikpambese of bias, political interference, and judicial misconduct, warning that failure to act on their demands could spark mass protests aimed at restoring public trust in the judiciary.

The call for action comes after the Benue State House of Assembly passed a resolution last week recommending Justice Ikpambese’s removal, following a petition from Governor Hyacinth Alia.

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The petition detailed alleged infractions deemed incompatible with the office of Chief Judge.

Jacob, speaking on behalf of the coalition, emphasized the collapse of judicial integrity in Benue State under Justice Ikpambese’s leadership.

The coalition expressed concern over what they described as the NJC’s failure to act on multiple petitions against Justice Ikpambese, some dating back to 2010. They accused the NJC of deliberately stalling investigations despite receiving several complaints over the years.

“Recent events involving the Benue state Judiciary is an example worthy of mention. The Benue State House of Assembly passed a resolution and recommended the removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Honorable Maurice Ikpambese based on petitions received on his alleged misconduct, abuse of office among other infractions,” Jacob staged.

He further criticized the NJC’s recent statement that it had only received a petition against Justice Ikpambese on February 19, 2025, labeling the claim as misleading.

“Our findings show that the 19th February petition was the latest in recent time. Outside this petition, there are other petitions, including the one acknowledged by the NJC itself on the 2nd of December, 2024, which is yet to be investigated even now.”

The coalition accused Justice Ikpambese of political favoritism, particularly in his handling of local government election petitions, which they said compromised the credibility of judicial decisions.

“It is obvious that under Justice Ikpambese, the judiciary is dead in Benue State,” Jacob declared.

The group called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue State House of Assembly to resist political pressures and act in the best interest of justice. They also urged the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene to safeguard constitutional provisions and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

Reiterating their demand, the coalition issued a firm warning to the NJC, giving them a 48-hour deadline to launch an investigation and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.

“While we give the NJC 48 hours ultimatum to constitute panel, investigate, and prosecute Justice Ikpambese for his wrongful act of compromise, sabotage and bias, we recommend the Governor of Benue State Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormen Alia to immediately swear in the next judge in line as the Acting Chief Judge of State.”

The group vowed to stage mass protests and occupy NJC premises if no action is taken within the stipulated time, stressing their commitment to protecting democracy and preventing political instability in Benue State.

“We make bold to say that, failure of the NJC and the Attorney General of the Federation to read the riot act to Justice Ikpambese and advise he step outside, we shall occupy the NJC premises in a mass protest to press home our demand, we will do this to save democracy and restore order in Benue State.”