The Benue State House of Assembly has approved the removal of Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the State’s Chief Judge, due to allegations of misconduct and misuse of power.
The Assembly stated that his removal would allow the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to further investigate the charges against him.
This decision followed a letter from Governor Hyacinth Alia, which was presented during a session on Tuesday.
The letter accused the Chief Judge of breaching the judicial ethics and overturning a law passed by the State Assembly regarding the electoral process.
He also faced accusations of mishandling the judiciary’s 2024 budget, showing favoritism, and engaging with political figures. Additionally, he was linked to an ongoing strike by judicial workers.
The Chief Whip, Peter Ipusu, voiced concerns about the Judge’s actions regarding the electoral law, while lawmaker Becky Orpin moved a motion for a vote on the matter.
Despite a heated debate, 23 of the 32 members voted in favor of his removal.
The Assembly also proposed that the next senior judge be sworn in to take his place.
