The National Judicial Council (NJC) has invalidated the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State and directed Governor Hope Uzodinma to reverse the decision immediately.
In a resolution made during its 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025, the NJC instructed the governor to appoint the most senior judge in the state’s High Court, in line with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
A statement by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, emphasized that the Constitution mandates the governor to appoint the most senior judge to act as Chief Judge when the position becomes vacant or the current occupant is unable to perform their duties.
Justice Nzeukwu was ordered to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for accepting the appointment in violation of constitutional provisions.
Justice V.U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, was also asked to explain his role in recommending Nzeukwu for the position.
The NJC accused him of complicity for presiding over the Judicial Service Commission meeting that led to the recommendation.
In broader disciplinary actions, the NJC suspended three judges for misconduct:
Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was suspended for one year without pay over inappropriate ex parte orders issued during her time as a Federal High Court judge.
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She was found guilty of abusing her office in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, violating judicial ethics.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, was suspended for one year and placed on a five-year watch list.
He was found to have issued a ruling without hearing parties involved in a pending application, breaching rules of judicial conduct.
Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, received a one-year suspension without pay and a three-year watch listing for restraining law enforcement from executing statutory duties and ignoring judicial precedent.
Additionally, Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Lagos Division received a caution over conduct in a suit involving a senior police officer.
The NJC also considered 43 petitions against judicial officers. Of these, 29 were dismissed for lack of merit, while nine committees were established to investigate 11 of the petitions.
Several others were held in abeyance pending outcomes of related appeals.
A petition challenging the 2022 judicial appointments in Zamfara State was dismissed.
The petitioner, Mahmud Aliyu, was found to have a personal interest and presented false claims, leading to his disqualification from future judicial appointment processes.
Another petition regarding the 2021 appointment of six Federal High Court judges was rejected due to late submission, breaching the six-month filing window set by the Judicial Discipline Regulations.
To improve transparency, the NJC announced it would begin publishing the names of judicial nominees for public comment before appointments are finalized.
The move aims to promote accountability and allow the public to raise concerns about candidates’ qualifications or character.
The NJC also accepted the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Bakre and approved a name change for Justice I.A. Osayande of the Edo State High Court, now officially recognized as Hon. Justice I.A. Dika.
