The Commission’s decision was communicated in a press statement signed by its secretary, Peter Ene, Esq.
By Archibong Jeremiah
The Cross River State Judicial Service Commission (CRSJSC) has announced the suspension of several magistrates and court staff following allegations of corruption, falsification of records, incompetence, and other misconduct. This decision, made at the Commission’s meeting on October 17, 2024, is based on recommendations from its Disciplinary Committee and in line with Section 3 Rule No. 03305 of the Cross River State Public Service Rules, 2004.
This came eight (8) months after TheInvestigator exposed large-scale corruption in the state judiciary fingering three magistrates. Of the three, one was warned.
The investigation was funded by Civic Media Lab through its Grassroots News Project (GNP). Read below:
The Commission’s decision was communicated in a press statement signed by its secretary, Peter Ene, Esq.
Suspended Magistrates
The following magistrates have been suspended without pay for varying periods:
- His Worship, Ushie Cecilia Ushang (Magistrate Grade 1, Port Court, Calabar) – Suspension from November 5, 2024, to March 5, 2025.
- His Worship, Gabriel Awah Ebebe (Magistrate Grade 1, Chief Magistrate Court, Edor, Ikom L.G.A.) – Suspension from November 5, 2024, to February 5, 2025.
- His Worship, Gabriel Eliom Agana (Chief Magistrate Grade 11, Chief Magistrates Court, Effraya, Ikom L.G.A.) – Suspension from November 5, 2024, to March 5, 2025.
- His Worship, Shadrach Oru Orji (Deputy Chief Registrar, Chief Magistrates Court 1, Ogoja) – Suspension from November 5, 2024, to March 5, 2025.
Suspended Court Staff
Two court staff members were also sanctioned for corruption and falsification of court records:
- Ms Iyaji Josephine Augustine (Principal Litigation Officer II, Chief Magistrates Court, Ogoja) – Suspension from November 5, 2024, to March 5, 2025.
- Mr Emmanuel Okon Etim (Chief Bailiff, Chief Magistrates Court, Moore Road, Calabar) – Suspension from November 5, 2024, to February 5, 2025. Additionally, Mr Etim has been directed to refund ₦171,000.00, representing the assessed monetary value of missing items in Suit No. MC/RT/1197/2021.
Disciplinary Actions
The Commission also issued warning letters to:
– His Worship, Okon Edet Ekpenyong (Senior Magistrate, Grade 1, Ikom L.G.A.)
– His Worship, Ojar Michael Egbai (Chief Magistrate Grade 11, Chief Magistrate Court 1, Ikom L.G.A.)
– Mr Emmanuel Okon Etim (Chief Bailiff, Chief Magistrates Court, Moore Road, Calabar)
Further Directives
Suspended magistrates are instructed to hand over pending cases to their respective court registrars. Similarly, the magistrate in Calabar is to hand over all pending files to the Administrative Chief Magistrate.