Anambra Judicial Commission Orders Three Security Watchmen to Refund ₦1.895m over Theft, Sanctions Staff Over Misconduct, Absence from Duty

By Emmanuel Chigbata | Ichie Times

Anambra State Judicial Service Commission has directed three security watchmen involved in theft at its premises to refund ₦1.895 million, representing the estimated cost of the stolen items, within three months or face suspension and handover to the police for criminal prosecution.

The affected personnel are Mr. Maneke Benjamin, Mr. Okoye Charles and Mr. Onwubiko Uchenna, while the commission directed each of them to refund one-third of the amount, with the three-month period effective from September 25, 2026.

Briefing Journalists, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Barrister Stanley Mbanaso said the Commission also suspended two bailiffs of the High Court of Justice, Nnewi Judicial Division, Messrs Emeasoba Onyeka Kizito, Chief Bailiff, and Nnamdi Ezike, Assistant Chief Bailiff, for two months over misconduct, effective from September 25, 2026.

Similarly, Mrs. Chiaghanam Gloria, a cleaner with the Commission, was dismissed from the Judiciary Service for prolonged absence from duty without permission or authorisation, while Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Vincent Okoye, a Higher Executive Officer, was issued a strongly worded letter of reprimand for misconduct.

The Commission also directed Mr. Kenneth Nwafor Izuchukwu, a Senior Clerical Officer, not to receive any salary or emoluments for four months, covering January to April 2026, for being absent from duty without permission or authorisation. It further directed that his salary be withheld for the period if he had already been paid.

In another decision, the Commission approved the voluntary retirement of Chinyere Lovina Okafor, a Legal Research Assistant attached to Justice P.N.T. Otti, who submitted a retirement letter dated November 5, 2025, and travelled out of the country in December 2025 without permission or authorisation. She was directed to refund any salary or emoluments received after December 5, 2025.

According to him, the Chief Judge of Anambra State and Chairman of the Commission, Justice Anyachebelu, sternly warned judicial officers and staff against misconduct, stressing that stringent disciplinary measures awaited those who violated the rules of service.

The Commission also confirmed 59 staff members in permanent positions, including special-category staff such as verbatim court reporters, who were employed between 2023 and 2024.

It further approved the withdrawal or retirement of 10 officers from the Judiciary Service and directed that letters of recommendation be written to some magistrates and presidents of customary courts in Anambra State in recognition of their excellent performance in case returns for the first and second quarters of 2026.

In addition, the Commission directed that queries be issued to magistrates and presidents of customary courts who failed to submit case returns or recorded zero performance during the period under review.