Justice Maurice Ahemba Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, has issued a formal directive to magistrates to steer clear of corrupt practices and bias. Speaking at a meeting in Makurdi, the Chief Judge emphasized that judicial misconduct threatens the legitimacy of the legal system.
According to a report by Protocol Officer David Jooli, Ikpambese defined corruption broadly. He stated that it encompasses not only bribery but also the abuse of discretionary powers, the intentional manipulation of records, and the use of excessive adjournments. The judge warned that when personal, ethnic, or political interests sway rulings, the public loses faith in the court system.
The Chief Judge also mandated that magistrates prioritize timely judgments and maintain ongoing professional development. Regina Alashi, who leads the Benue chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, responded by pledging that her members will remain committed to ethical conduct, transparency, and reducing case delays to bolster public trust.
