The Nasarawa State Judicial Commission has taken disciplinary action against Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Jatau, demoting him from Chief Magistrate II (Grade Level 15) to Senior Magistrate I (Grade Level 14) and stripping him of his magisterial duties.
The commission’s decision, conveyed in a letter dated January 6, 2025, stems from Jatau’s handling of the controversial case involving Chioma Okoli and the Nigeria Police Force.
The saga began on September 17, 2023, when Okoli claimed on Facebook that Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product of Erisco Foods Limited, was sugary. The company’s CEO, Eric Umeofia, denied the claim and filed a petition that led to Okoli’s arrest by the police. Okoli was subsequently arraigned on charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking, remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre, and later granted bail. Tragically, Okoli suffered a miscarriage during her ordeal, sparking public outrage and calls for justice.
Okoli’s legal counsel, Inibehe Effiong, filed a petition against Jatau, arguing that the magistrate had overstepped his jurisdiction. Effiong highlighted that Okoli neither resides in Nasarawa State nor committed any alleged offenses there. Furthermore, the charges of cybercrime fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, as stipulated in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. Effiong described Jatau’s actions as a “brazen” abuse of judicial authority and demanded an investigation.
The Judicial Commission’s decision to demote Jatau is a significant development in the case, reflecting the commission’s commitment to upholding judicial integrity and accountability. The demotion also serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial officers acting within their jurisdiction and respecting the rule of law.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what further consequences Jatau may face. However, one thing is clear: the Nasarawa State Judicial Commission’s decision to demote Jatau sends a strong message about the importance of judicial accountability and the need for judicial officers to act with integrity and respect for the law.
