By Uta Jikina

The Benue State Government has sealed the office of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambase, following the Benue State House of Assembly’s (BSHA) recommendation for his immediate removal.

The move comes after the BSHA accused Justice Ikpambase of gross misconduct, including the abuse of office, bribery, corruption, and mismanagement of judicial funds. The Assembly also cited his involvement in actions deemed incompatible with the role of a judicial officer, such as issuing directives overturning state electoral laws and engaging in political favoritism.

In response to the BSHA’s decision, Francis Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilisation, instructed all Alia support groups within the Makurdi metropolis to gather in solidarity with Governor Alia.

The groups have been protesting against Justice Ikpambase, singing songs, and chanting slogans like “without Alia, no Benue.”

The protests began on Friday, with participants dancing to music and voicing their support for the governor. In turn, the Nigeria Police deployed personnel to the area, blocking roads leading to the Judiciary office and allowing only residents to access their homes.

The BSHA’s decision to recommend Ikpambase’s removal was made during a plenary session led by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh. The motion followed a report detailing the Chief Judge’s alleged unethical conduct, which included influencing judicial outcomes and maintaining cronies in key positions. Twenty-three members voted in favor of his removal, while those opposing the motion were suspended for three months and ordered to return funds allocated for foreign trips.

Additionally, the BSHA recommended the swearing-in of an Acting Chief Judge to replace Ikpambase.

The crisis has intensified tensions within Benue’s political and judicial sectors, as the state’s future judicial leadership hangs in the balance.