Court of Appeal Justice, Honorable Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, Passes On At 65

Honorable Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh of the Court of Appeal has passed away at the age of 65.

Justice Ikyegh, who served as the Presiding Justice in Port Harcourt, died on Wednesday, December 6th after suddenly slumping at his residence shortly following a phone call, sources informed TheNigeriaLawyer.

The late jurist was number 10 on the Court of Appeal seniority list and due to retire in 2028. Ironically, Justice Ikyegh was originally paired with Justice Mohammed Baba Idris as reserve on the list of nominees to the Supreme Court. If elevated as recommended, Justice Idris would become CJN in 17 years during his elongated tenure at the apex court.

Born in 1958 in Konshisha, Benue State, the late jurist was called to Bar in 1980 after earning his Bachelor of Laws from Obafemi Awolowo University.

He began his career at the Benue State High Court in 1991, before being elevated to the Court of Appeal in July 2010.

The deceased judge is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are to be communicated by the family.

As Presiding Justice, Ikyegh headed the Port Harcourt Division of the appellate court and leaves behind a rich legacy of legal jurisprudence and public service spanning over three decades.

The Nigerian Bar Association has been paying glowing tribute to the erudite and cerebral Ikyegh, described as a consummate gentleman both on and off the Bench.

The Judiciary also mourns the huge loss of an illustrious son and elder of the legal profession.