The number of Justices of the Supreme Court will further be depleted on May 23, 2023 with the retirement of another justice of the court, Justice Ejembi Eko.
Born on May 23, 1952, in Otukpo, Benue State, Justice Eko who was elevated to the bench of the apex court in November 2016, will bow out after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
Eko’s retirement will further deplete the number of justices on the apex court to 15.
His retirement comes some days after his colleague, Justice Mary Peter Odili left the bench of the apex court for similar reasons.
A valedictory court session of the apex court in his honour, which will be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, is expected to hold at the main court room of the court on same day.
Justice Eko who hails from Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, attended Methodist Primary School, Ugboju-Icho from 1958 – 1962, Native Authority Primary School, Ugbokpo, Apa from 1963 – 1965, Wesley High School, Otukpo from 1966 – 1970, Government College, Keffi from 1971 – 1972, University of Ife, Ile-Ife from 1973 – 1976 and Nigerian Law School, Lagos from 1976 – 1977. He was called to the Nigerian Bar on 2nd July, 1977.
Justice Eko commenced his legal career in 1977 with the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice where he served under the National Youth Service scheme. From August 1978 – January 1980, he delved into private legal practice, starting as a Junior Counsel at Omakwu & Onyeke Chambers, Otukpo, Benue State. On the 1st of February, 1980, he began practice at his private law firm, Eko & Co, Otukpo as a Principal Counsel. From June 1982 – March 1987, he worked as a Senior Partner at Eko & Onum, Otukpo.
Justice Ejembi Eko was appointed first Director of Civil Litigation, Benue State Ministry of Justice in April 1987. He served in this capacity until he was appointed Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Justice on the 1st of October, 1987. He was appointed Judge of the Benue State High Court on 9th February, 1989. He rose to become Acting Chief Judge of Benue State from November 2005 – February 2006. Hon. Justice Eko was appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal in December 2007. He joined the Court of Appeal Bench in February 2008 and served in various Divisions of the Court of Appeal before he was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench on November 7, 2016.
He is married and blessed with seven children.
