A distinguished member of the Federal Appellate Court Judge , Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh has passed away at the age of 65.
The incident occurred in his hometown of Makurdi, just as he was being considered for promotion to the Supreme Court.
Justice Ikyegh, who presided over the Port Harcourt Division, collapsed suddenly in the presence of his family and was declared deceased shortly after.
Efforts to obtain comments from the National Judicial Council’s spokesperson on Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful.
The judge’s untimely demise follows recent allegations by the political opposition in Ogun State, claiming he accepted bribes to affirm the contentious re-election of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Governor Abiodun, known for his controversial reputation, has been accused of corruption and misuse of power.
Leading a panel that confirmed a lower tribunal’s decision, Justice Ikyegh faced criticism for basing the verdict on a technicality that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party labeled as ‘purported’ certification by the electoral office INEC.
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He was accompanied by another judge, forming a three-member panel that delivered the verdict.
However, the panel’s unanimity was broken by Judge Jane Esienanwan Inyang, who dissented, arguing that there was no valid reason to sustain Mr. Abiodun’s governorship.
The decision was immediately challenged in the Supreme Court by Ladi Adebutu, Governor Abiodun’s principal opponent in the March 18 gubernatorial election.
Judicial observers have described the ruling as one of the most contentious election petition decisions of the season. Despite the allegations, Governor Abiodun has denied any involvement in judicial manipulation.
Meanwhile, those close to Justice Ikyegh remember him as a dedicated jurist committed to delivering justice to the people of Nigeria.
Born in 1958, Justice Ikyegh was among the judges shortlisted for elevation to the role of associate justices of the Supreme Court.
The selection process, which began recently, is expected to conclude by December 31, 2023.
His sudden death has cast a shadow over the judiciary, raising questions and concerns amidst a time of transition and scrutiny.