NJC Reverses Appointment Of Acting Imo Chief Judge, Suspends Three Judges For Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to reverse the recent appointment of Theophilus Nzeukwu as the state’s acting Chief Judge.

This development comes after the NJC, in 2024, recommended the compulsory retirement of former Chief Judge Chukwuemeka Chikeka, effective from October 27, 2021. The decision was based on findings that he falsified his age.

On April 3, 2024, Governor Uzodimma appointed Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting head of the state judiciary but the NJC announced that it had not approved the appointment.

Following its 108th meeting held in Abuja on April 29 and 30, the NJC directed that the governor must instead appoint the most senior judge from the state’s High Court, as required by Section 271(4) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

In addition, the council issued a query to Nzeukwu, giving him seven days to explain why he accepted the appointment without NJC approval and why he should not face disciplinary action.

The NJC also questioned V.U. Okorie, the president of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal. He has been asked to justify why he recommended Nzeukwu’s appointment while acting as interim head of the state’s Judicial Service Commission.

Meanwhile, the NJC has suspended three judges, including a Court of Appeal justice, Jane E. Inyang, for one year without pay due to misconduct.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja was also suspended for a year without pay. He has been placed on a five-year watchlist and barred from promotion for that period.

Another judge, Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu from the Federal High Court in Zamfara, was also suspended for one year without salary. He has been placed on a three-year watchlist and will not be considered for elevation.

KanyiDaily recalls that in 2024, the Imo House of Assembly recommended the dismissal of Chief Judge Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka for misconduct and alleged age falsification.