From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission (KSJSC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of Alemeru Adekunle Bamidele, a Judge in the Area Court system, over allegations of corruption. Additionally, the Commission suspended Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed from adjudicatory duties for two years.
The decisions were taken during the Commission’s 136th meeting held in Lokoja.
According to the Commission, Bamidele was found guilty of conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer. He allegedly purchased a property that was the subject of ongoing litigation before him. After ordering the sale of the building, he failed to make full payment for the property.
In a related decision, Magistrate Tanimu U. Muhammed was suspended for issuing a court order without hearing from the parties involved. Apart from the suspension, he is to be issued a formal letter of warning.
Meanwhile, the Commission exonerated several other judicial officers after investigations revealed that allegations against them were baseless. Those cleared include Magistrate Abdul Musa Mopah, Mr. Yunusa Medugu, Deborah O. Ebiloma Esq., and Anuhi Safiya Oiza.
The Commission’s Disciplinary Committee had earlier investigated the allegations and made appropriate recommendations to the JSC.
Furthermore, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, disclosed that a six-man committee has been constituted to explore ways of improving the welfare of Magistrates and Area Court Judges.
The committee is chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Abdullah, SAN.