The move to remove the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese has taken a new dimension as residents woke up to see that the main entrance of the Benue State High Court had been taken over by stern looking armed police personnel.
The development came after the State House of Assembly approved his removal over alleged gross misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
The House in its resolution maintained that the Chief Judge’s removal would pave the way for the National Judicial Council (NJC), to investigate the allegations leveled against him.
The Assembly also recommended the swearing-in of the next most senior Judge in the State judiciary, in order to fill the vacuum he would leave.
That resolution of the House has since been trailed by condemnation from various groups and has been voided by the NJC pending its investigation into the matter.
Recall also that the Benue State chapter of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), has been on strike for about three months over unresolved issues of welfare of its members.
On Thursday morning – today, February 20, 2025 – residents observed that the main entrance of the High Court premises had been blocked with a heap of sharp sand while armed security officers were also sighted at the gate.
A source at the State Ministry of Works claimed the sand was for the renovation of the complex.
One of the security personnel at the premises who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that they were deployed to the High Court complex to secure the vicinity and also ensure the maintenance of law and order.
He said: “We want to ensure that this place is safe and secure, that is why we are here and nothing more.”
