Call For Accountability: TRAGWA Urges Ban On CJ’s Visa, Removal From Office Despite NJC’s Ongoing Probe

TRAGWA Deputy Director, Akor Daniel (left), addressing Journalists on behalf of the group at the NUJ House, Makurdi on Monday

Despite an ongoing investigation of the embattled Chief Judge (CJ) of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following a petition from the Benue State Government, a group under the auspices of Transparency Global Watch (TRAGWA) has insisted that he must be removed from office and be banned from travelling abroad.

At a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Makurdi, the Executive Director of TRAGWA, Anyi Sunday, represented by Deputy Director Akor Daniel, alleged that Justice Maurice Ikpambese is unfit to serve as Chief Judge of Benue State, claiming to have conducted an independent investigation that unearthed serious judicial misconduct and abuse of office.

He described Justice Ikpambese’s actions as unbecoming of a judicial officer, let alone a Chief Judge. According to him, TRAGWA’s duty as a democratic watchdog compels them to present the facts to the public and allow citizens to determine whether the embattled Chief Judge should continue to hold office.

The organization listed several allegations against Justice Ikpambese, which it claimed were supported by credible sources and undeniable evidence. Among these were abuse of office, financial mismanagement of the state judiciary’s budget, collusion with politicians to secure favorable rulings, inciting industrial actions against the state government, bribery, favoritism, disregard for valid court judgments, interference in judicial cases, and issuing fraudulent rulings.

Adding to the controversy, TRAGWA referenced a viral video in which Justice Ikpambese allegedly boasted about handpicking partisan judges to oversee the Benue Local Government Election Petition Tribunal. This, the group argued, further reinforces the claim that he lacks the impartiality and integrity required of a Chief Judge. They insisted that his actions validate the 10th Benue State House of Assembly’s resolution recommending his removal.

Furthermore, TRAGWA criticized attempts by certain legal bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to defend the embattled judge. They accused such entities of spreading false narratives to mislead the public and undermine the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia for political gain. The group insisted that rather than shielding Justice Ikpambese, efforts should be made to cleanse the judiciary of corruption and misconduct.

As part of its investigation, TRAGWA also highlighted a case involving the estate of the late Dr. Dabo Adzuana. According to the group, Justice Ikpambese was appointed as an interim administrator of the estate in 2012 but allegedly misused his position for personal gain. Despite a court ruling in 2019 declaring his appointment illegal, the judge reportedly continued to exert control over the estate, obstructing the rightful heirs from accessing their inheritance. Shockingly, in 2023, a valuable shopping mall within the estate, initially valued at ₦738 million in 2009, was allegedly sold off for just ₦150 million without the consent of the family. TRAGWA condemned this act as a blatant abuse of judicial power, accusing Justice Ikpambese of manipulating legal processes to serve his own interests.

Given the gravity of these allegations, TRAGWA called on the Code of Conduct Tribunal to take immediate action, citing violations of Sections 5 and 13 of the Code of Conduct Act. The group also urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to expedite its investigation into the allegations against Justice Ikpambese, rather than engaging in speculation.

Although Governor Alia had a couple of days ago denied having a hand in the ongoing attempt to sack justice Ikpambese, TRAGWA which was hitherto unpopular in the state, attributed the action to the governor and hailed him for it.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, TRAGWA and other like minded civil rights groups stand in solidarity with the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. We support his actions and call on members of the public to support his approach to this monumental fraud, even as we demand for a Visa ban on the embattled Chief Judge as a deterrent to others”, they insisted.