Appeal Court Judge slumps and dies
In a somber turn of events, the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Port-Harcourt Division, Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, has passed away at the age of 65. Hailing from Benue State, the respected jurist breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon at his residence in the Achussa Community area of Makurdi.
The sad news came to light during a public function in Makurdi when the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, called for a minute of silence to honor the departed Justice Ikyegh.
While no official statement has been released by the family regarding his demise, reports suggest that the judge collapsed while making a phone call at home. Despite efforts by family members to revive him, their attempts proved unsuccessful.
He was subsequently rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi, where medical professionals confirmed his passing.Known for his sound judgments and forthrightness, Justice Ikyegh had recently been shortlisted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, as one of the 22 Justices of the Court of Appeal recommended for promotion to the apex court on a reserve basis.
His contributions to the legal field and the judiciary are remembered as a significant loss.Credit: Vanguard Newspaper