Security barricades Benue High Court amid bid to remove Chief Judge

By Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Efforts to remove the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, have escalated as residents woke up to find the main entrance of the Benue State High Court barricaded by armed police personnel.

This development follows the Benue State House of Assembly’s approval of his removal over allegations of gross misappropriation of funds, misconduct, and abuse of office.

The Assembly stated that Justice Ikpambese’s removal would allow the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the allegations against him. It also recommended the swearing-in of the next most senior judge to fill the potential vacancy.

However, the House’s resolution has faced widespread condemnation from various groups and has been voided by the NJC, pending its investigation.

The incident comes amid an ongoing strike by the Benue State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which has been on strike for about three months over unresolved welfare issues.

On Thursday morning, 20 February 2025, residents noticed the High Court’s main entrance blocked by a heap of sharp sand, with armed security officers stationed at the gate.

A source from the State Ministry of Works claimed the sand was intended for renovation work at the court complex.

Meanwhile, a security officer at the premises, speaking anonymously, said they were deployed to secure the court and maintain law and order.

“We want to ensure that this place is safe and secure, that is why we are here and nothing more,” he stated.