The protracted controversy over age falsification involving Hon. Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, has been resolved. The National Judicial Council (NJC) has issued a decisive verdict, recommending her retirement and mandating the return of her salaries and allowances from October 27, 2021.
During its 107th meeting in Abuja, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the NJC found Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka guilty of age falsification. The Council concluded that she should have retired on October 27, 2021, based on her actual date of birth. Consequently, it directed the Governor of Imo State to retire her effective from that date.
The issue began in 2022 when a petition against Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka was submitted to the Imo State House of Assembly. The Assembly found her guilty and recommended her retirement. However, she pursued legal action to challenge the decision and retain her position. The NJC’s final ruling has now ended the dispute, ordering her to refund all earnings received since her due retirement date.
The NJC’s investigation revealed inconsistencies in her official records, showing two different dates of birth: October 27, 1956, and October 27, 1958. Despite the earlier date being consistent, she swore an affidavit in 2006 altering her birth date to 1958.
In a related development, the NJC also retired Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, for age falsification. He was found to have three conflicting birth dates—December 10, January 28, and July, all in 1959—whereas his actual birth year is 1952. The Council recommended his compulsory retirement and directed him to refund salaries and allowances received over the past 12 years.