Benue judiciary controversy: UN-WCD demands urgent action against Ikpambese

The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as growing judicial interference in Nigeria’s political affairs. The organization warns that such actions pose a significant threat to democracy and the rule of law.

The group’s statement comes amid the controversy surrounding the recent suspension of Benue State’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

Judicial Crisis in Benue State
The suspension of Justice Ikpambese has further escalated an ongoing judicial crisis in Benue State. The State House of Assembly had earlier recommended his immediate removal, citing allegations of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, and political interference.

In response, the National Judicial Council (NJC) intervened, affirming Justice Ikpambese as the legitimate Chief Judge and voiding the Assembly’s resolution, pending a thorough investigation into the allegations.

UN-WCD’s Stand on Judicial Interference
Speaking at an international press conference in Abuja on February 27, 2025, the Secretary-General of UN-WCD, H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, decried the increasing trend of conflicting court orders and alleged judicial bias in states such as Rivers, Osun, and Benue.

He called for immediate sanctions, including visa bans, against judges and officials found guilty of undermining democratic principles. He also urged the NJC to take decisive action against judicial misconduct and implement urgent reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.

Excerpts from His Speech:
“We have received reports from states such as Rivers, where judicial officers, particularly judges, have issued conflicting court orders to manipulate political outcomes, thereby frustrating democracy.

“In Osun State, we have witnessed conflicting rulings between the State High Court and the Appeal Court regarding the dissolution and reinstatement of local government chairmen, alongside a fresh election conducted by the state electoral body.

“The most alarming case is the political interference by Benue State’s Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambese, who attempted to undermine justice by granting waivers to petitioners at the local government election tribunal, allowing them to bypass security deposit requirements stipulated by law.

Asaolu stressed that such judicial misconduct violates the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG), which mandates state parties to uphold democracy, respect human rights, and adhere to the rule of law.

He further called for sanctions against Justice Ikpambese, the court registrar, the current Senate Minority Leader, and other officials who publicly supported the Chief Judge’s alleged misconduct.

“The Benue State Chief Judge, the Registrar of the court, the current Senate Minority Leader, and all those who backed these actions should face sanctions, including visa cancellations and travel bans, similar to those we advocated against INEC officials in Rivers State who sabotaged democratic principles during elections.”

The UN-WCD emphasized that Benue State remains of particular interest to the international community due to ongoing security threats that have led to the displacement of many residents.

The organization criticized the National Judicial Council (NJC) for failing to constitute an investigative panel to probe the allegations against Justice Ikpambese, despite a resolution by the Benue State House of Assembly recommending his removal.

“The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, known for his proactive leadership, should have set up an investigative panel to examine the Chief Judge’s actions. Even if the NJC has been reluctant to address previous petitions against him, this recent case—endorsed by the State Assembly and forwarded by the Benue State Government—should have been under investigation by now.”

The UN-WCD urged all stakeholders to ensure justice, transparency, and accountability in judicial matters. The organization made the following demands:

Judicial Independence & Accountability: The NJC and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) must condemn and act against any Chief Judge engaged in illegal activities, rather than endorsing or excusing misconduct.

Independent Investigation: The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation should establish an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the allegations of financial irregularities and ethical breaches attributed to Justice Ikpambese.

Appointment of an Acting Chief Judge: The Executive Governor of Benue State should promptly appoint an acting Chief Judge to prevent a leadership vacuum in the judiciary and ensure the smooth delivery of justice.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary must be preserved through impartial investigations, decisive action against misconduct, and responsible governance. The UN-WCD, in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), remains committed to promoting ethical governance, legal compliance, and institutional integrity in Nigeria and beyond.

“Public office is a trust, and officeholders must always uphold their oath of office and allegiance to the government and the people.”