The National Judicial Council (NJC) has declared that Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, will remain in office while an investigation into allegations against him is conducted.

On Tuesday, the Benue State House of Assembly voted to suspend Ikpambese following a petition from Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of:

• Abuse of office by issuing directives that overturned a state electoral law.
• Mismanagement of judiciary finances and budgetary allocations.
• Political interference by engaging with politicians for favorable rulings.
• Inciting industrial actions against the state executive.

Out of 31 lawmakers, 23 supported his suspension.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Kemi Ogedengbe, NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, emphasized that the council alone has the constitutional authority to discipline judicial officers.

“Council has received a petition against Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, but it has yet to be investigated in line with due process and fair hearing,” the statement read.

The NJC reaffirmed that Ikpambese remains Chief Judge of Benue until the complaint is reviewed and a formal decision is made.