The National Industrial Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, ruled that the Benue State House of Assembly's attempt to remove Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese was unconstitutional, null, and void.
In the case NICN/ABJ/68/2025, which Justice Ikpambese brought forward, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae annulled the recommendations from both Governor Hyacinth Alia and the state Assembly regarding the CJ's removal.
The court found that the defendants had breached Section 292(1)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution as well as specific rules outlined in the Standing Orders of the Benue State House of Assembly, 2023.
It also declared invalid a February 18, 2025, press release issued by 13 House members that announced Ikpambese’s removal.
“A perpetual injunction is hereby issued prohibiting the 3rd to 6th defendants from taking any administrative or other actions aimed at the removal or suspension of the claimant from office without following proper constitutional procedures,” the court ruled. Additionally, the National Judicial Council (NJC) was ordered not to act on any petitions from the Benue Attorney General or the Governor seeking to investigate or discipline Ikpambese.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae rejected the defendants' claims challenging the suit's legitimacy, asserting that the court was ready to grant all requests made by the claimant.
The judgment stated that a thorough reading of various sections of the 1999 Constitution demonstrates that the House of Assembly's actions—whether by its Speaker, Chief Hyacinth Dajoh, or based on the Governor's advice—were unlawful without a prior investigation and agreement from the NJC.
The court also emphasized that the lack of a fair hearing for the Chief Judge before the alleged removal further invalidated the entire procedure.