Federal appellate judge, Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, has passed away in Makurdi at the age of 65. His death occurred as the processes for his elevation to the Supreme Court were underway, gathered by NN News Media.
Justice Ikyegh, who served as the president of the Port Harcourt Division, reportedly collapsed before his family members and was pronounced dead. The incident occurred as he was in the process of being elevated to the Supreme Court.
A reports that a spokesperson for the National Judicial Council did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding this development on Thursday afternoon.
Ikyegh’s demise follows recent accusations from political opposition in Ogun, alleging that he accepted cash bribes to support the controversial reelection of Governor Dapo Abiodun. The governor, known for alleged corruption and abuse of office, has faced scrutiny in this regard.
He led the panel that upheld a lower tribunal decision, which was hinged largely on a technical claim that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party described as ‘purported’ the initial certification of Mr Abiodun by electoral office INEC. He was joined by another judge on the three-member panel.
The last judge, Jane Esienanwan Inyang, dissented in the matter, saying there was no justification for upholding Mr Abiodun as governor. The matter was promptly appealed to the Supreme Court by Ladi Adebutu, Mr Abiodun’s main challenger in the March 18 governorship poll.
Judiciary watchdogs said the ruling was among the most controversial of election petition verdicts so far this season. Mr Abiodun denied all allegations of judiciary interference, and family and friends described Mr Ikyegh as a thoroughbred jurist who lived his life delivering justice to the Nigerian people. An NJC official confirmed an outstanding petition but declined further comments on the matter.
Born in 1958, Ikyegh was among the judges slated for elevation to the position of associate justices of the Supreme Court. This process began a few days ago and was anticipated to be concluded before December 31, 2023.
