The Rivers State House of Assembly has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Chief Judge Simeon Amadi over alleged age falsification, a move that could significantly impact the state’s judiciary.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally requested the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations of age falsification against the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi. This decision emerged during a plenary session on Thursday, following the presentation of pertinent documents by the House Leader, Honorable Major Jack.
The session, held at the Assembly’s chambers in Port Harcourt, took a serious turn when Deputy Speaker Honorable Dumle Maol addressed the assembly. He presented documents suggesting that the Chief Judge may have falsified his age during his tenure in service. Maol emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “These documents before me simply say that the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, falsified his age in service. Mr. Speaker, that is a very serious allegation, and I do hope that this House takes legislative notice.”
The assembly engaged in a thorough debate on the matter, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations. After deliberations, the members resolved to formally communicate with the DSS, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the age falsification claims against Chief Judge Amadi. The Speaker of the House, Honorable Martin Amaewhule, underscored the necessity of an investigation, remarking, “The documents are only suggesting a case of age falsification by the honorable Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Amadi. What it means is that there has to be an investigation to that effect.” Subsequently, a voice vote confirmed the assembly’s unanimous decision to involve the DSS in this matter.
Chief Judge Simeon Amadi age falsification allegations spark controversy
Justice Simeon Amadi ascended to the position of Chief Judge of Rivers State in May 2021, succeeding Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. Prior to his appointment, Amadi was the third-ranked judge in the Rivers State High Court. His elevation to Chief Judge was endorsed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The allegations against Chief Judge Amadi are not isolated incidents within the state’s judiciary. In October 2023, reports surfaced suggesting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had suspended Justice Amadi amid a political shake-up. However, the governor’s office promptly denied these claims, labeling them as unfounded rumors. Furthermore, in March 2025, the Rivers State Judiciary refuted reports that Chief Judge Amadi was embarking on a one-year recess leave, dismissing such claims as false and misleading.
Allegations of age falsification within the judiciary are grave, as they undermine the integrity and trust vested in judicial officers. The NJC has previously taken stringent actions against judicial officers found guilty of such misconduct. For instance, in November 2024, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, for age falsification. These actions underscore the judiciary’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that judicial officers adhere to the highest levels of integrity.
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