NJC orders reversal of Imo Acting Chief Judge appointment, Suspends 3 Judges

The National Judicial Council has ordered Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to reverse the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of the state. The NJC directed that the most senior judge be appointed in his place and issued Justice Nzeukwu a query to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for presenting himself for the role.  

The NJC also directed Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Imo Customary Court of Appeal, to show cause over his recommendation of Justice Nzeukwu, as interim chairman of the state’s Judicial Service Commission. The decisions followed the council’s 108th meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.  

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Separately, the NJC has suspended three judicial officers for one year without pay over misconduct. They include Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Court of Appeal, Uyo, who was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate ex parte orders, and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara, who restrained security agencies from carrying out their duties. Justice Aliyu has also been barred from elevation for three years.  

The council dismissed 29 petitions against judges for lack of merit but empanelled nine committees to investigate 11 others. It also resolved that names of candidates for appointment as judges to superior courts will henceforth be published for public comments.