Abuja, Nigeria – The National Judicial Council (NJC) don declare the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge of Imo State as void. Dem don instruct Governor Hope Uzodinma to change am and appoint the most senior judge for full compliance with Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution. This decision come during NJC’s 108th meeting for Abuja on April 29 and 30, 2025, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, release statement wey confirm the development. According to the NJC statement, “If the office of the Chief Judge is vacant or the person wey dey hold am no fit perform, the governor must appoint the highest-ranking judge from the High Court to carry out the functions.”
The NJC don also ask Nzeukwu to show cause within seven days why dem no go take disciplinary action against am for trying to assume the position against constitutional provisions. Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, also dey complicit as e was the one wey recommend Nzeukwu; na im make dem tell am to show cause too.
In a sweeping action to deal with judicial misconduct, NJC don suspend three judges for one year without pay. One dem na Justice Jane E. Inyang from the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, wey dem find say misuse im position by giving wrong ex parte orders during a case involving Hon. Udeme Esset’s petrol station. NJC report state, “Justice Inyang abuse im office during Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023.”
Justice Inyang Ekwo from the Federal High Court, Abuja, na im also receive one-year suspension without pay and dem don place am on a five-year watch-list no be say him fit dey promoted. The NJC find say he deliver ruling on a pending case when e never hear both parties, which na clear breach of judicial conduct rules.
Additionally, Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu from Federal High Court, Zamfara, also join the suspended list for granting orders wey stop security agencies from doing their work during Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, which dey contrary to the law. NJC also caution Justice A. O. Awogboro for some complaints wey dey investigate.
The NJC don set up nine committees to go into 27 different allegations against judicial officers. Dem don also dismiss 29 petitions wey lack merit and suspend some investigations pending appellate decisions. The council reject one petition from Mahmud Aliyu wey complain about the judicial appointment process in 2022, wey dem find as unsubstantiated since na e self wey no get selection.
NJC don make plans to ensure future appointments of judicial officers dey transparent, go introduce public input. Dem go start to publish names of candidates considered for superior court appointments to allow public scrutiny.
Adequately, the council accept the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Bakre and also approve to change the name of Justice I. A. Osayande to Hon. Justice I. A. Dika. These steps dey geared towards enhancing the integrity and transparency of the judiciary across Nigeria.
