Judge Dies Two Years After Retirement

Judge Dies Before 67th Birthday

Hon. Justice Ogbogo Elijah Ejembi, a former judge of the Benue State Judiciary, has passed away at the age of 66. Justice Ejembi, who retired from the bench on April 26th, 2023, died in the morning of March 28th, 2025, at the Zenith Medical Centre in Abuja.

The news of his demise was confirmed to AkweyaTV by his brother, Barrister Aba Ejembi, the Och’Ogblega of Adankari. According to the family, Justice Ejembi’s body has been transferred to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where it will be held in a mortuary pending the arrangement of funeral rites. He would have celebrated his 67th birthday on April 26th of this year.

A Judge is Born

Born on April 26th, 1958, in Adankari-Akweya, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Justice Ejembi’s early life saw him navigate the challenges of losing his father at a young age. He received his primary education at Wesley Primary School, Otobi-Akweya, and LEA Primary School Mada Station in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. Demonstrating a keen interest in learning, he resigned from his position as an Office Messenger at the Nigeria Railway Corporation to pursue further education at Nyapuri Comprehensive College Takum, King’s Comprehensive College, Mkar, and ultimately, Government Secondary School Gboko, where he excelled and emerged as the best graduating student in 1980.

His pursuit of legal knowledge led him to a Basic Studies programme in Ugbokolo, Benue State, before gaining admission to the University of Calabar to study law. He completed his legal education at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar on October 15th, 1986.

Justice Ejembi’s career in the Benue State Judiciary began in December 1987 as an Inspector of Area Courts. He steadily rose through the ranks, joining the Lower Bench as an Upper Area Court Judge in April 1989. He served as the sole judge of the Upper Area Court Otukpo before being posted to Upper Area Court Okpoga. His dedication and competence culminated in his appointment as a High Court Judge in the 2000s, where he served with distinction for 15 years until his retirement.

The Judge’s Untold Life Story

During his valedictory court session in 2023, Justice Ejembi hinted at the rich experiences of his time on the High Court Bench, stating, “Life on the High Court Bench has been full of exciting moments and sometimes full of painful tears that a memoir on them would best be recast on a future date.” Sadly, that memoir will now remain unwritten as the respected jurist succumbed to kidney disease at the Zenith Medical & Kidney Centre in Abuja.

Justice Ogbogo Elijah Ejembi’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to the administration of justice in Benue State. He is remembered by colleagues and members of the legal community for his commitment and service. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.