Kogi Counters Claims Of Unpaid Judicial Gratuities, Says N278m Paid To 15 Retirees

The Kogi State Pension Commission said it has disbursed ₦278.07 million to 15 retired judicial officers with outstanding gratuity payments, disputing claims that the state government has failed to pay any of their retirement benefits.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director-General, Hajia Mariam Ozioma Abedo, explaining that the payments were made between January and October 2026, based on verified entitlements and the resources available to the government.

The statement responded to a publication dated October 23, 2026, attributed to Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Attorney-General of Oyo State, on the retirement benefits of former judicial officers in Kogi.

While acknowledging the right of citizens and legal practitioners to demand accountability over unpaid entitlements, the Commission criticised what it described as offensive language, broad allegations and personal attacks directed at Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and other public officials.

It maintained that the government recognises its responsibility to settle legitimate retirement benefits and appreciates the contributions of retired judicial officers to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.

According to the Commission, however, the existence of outstanding gratuity payments does not, in itself, show that the government is antagonistic towards the judiciary or unwilling to meet its obligations.

“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a mark of professional distinction that carries commensurate responsibilities. It is no licence to insult public office holders, speculate about their motives or substitute provocative language for verifiable evidence,” the statement said.

The Commission asked Adebayo to specify any beneficiary or category of entitlement he believes has been mishandled and seek clarification from the relevant authorities. It added that the state must manage its obligations to retirees alongside spending on salaries, pensions, roads, schools, hospitals, security and other essential services.

It also rejected descriptions allegedly directed at Ododo, including “puppet”, “effigy”, “pawn”, “toy” and “breastfeeding” Governor, arguing that such expressions do not prove that retirement benefits were improperly withheld or that payment decisions were influenced by anyone.

The Commission further challenged Adebayo to provide evidence for his allegation that Bello controls Ododo and would prevent the payment of retired judicial officers’ entitlements.

“If Mr. Adebayo possesses credible evidence that a particular payment decision has been improperly influenced, he should identify that evidence and present it through the appropriate channels. Serious allegations demand serious evidence,” the statement added.

It said the Ododo administration remained open to legitimate scrutiny but insisted that public criticism should be based on verifiable information and reasoned arguments.

The Commission also demanded that Adebayo withdraw the alleged abusive descriptions and unsupported personal allegations against Ododo and Bello within 24 hours of the publication of its rejoinder.

It called on him to publish an unequivocal apology through the same channels used to circulate the original publication and correct the assertion that no payments had been made to retired judicial officers.

The Commission warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would lead it to file formal petitions against Adebayo before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee.

According to the statement, the language and personal allegations in the publication raised questions about the restraint, dignity and professional responsibility expected of a legal practitioner, particularly one who holds the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The Commission reiterated its willingness to engage retired judicial officers and other pensioners on their verified entitlements, saying the government would continue working towards meeting its obligations through responsible administration, sound financial management and constructive engagement.

“The public deserves accurate information. Retired judicial officers deserve dignity and the settlement of their legitimate entitlements. Public discourse deserves the discipline of evidence, the strength of reasoned argument and respect for the responsibilities that accompany professional distinction,” the statement concluded.