The National Judicial Council (NJC) declared Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu’s appointment as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State null and void. The NJC ordered Governor Hope Uzodinma to reverse the decision and appoint the most senior judge, per constitutional provisions.
This resolution was among key decisions made during the NJC’s 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, presided over the meeting and approved all decisions made.
NJC Orders Immediate Reversal of Imo Acting CJ Appointment
In a statement, NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, cited Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution. That section mandates the governor to appoint the most senior High Court judge in acting capacity when no Chief Judge exists.
The NJC also ordered Justice Nzeukwu to explain within seven days why he violated the constitution by accepting the appointment. They warned disciplinary action may follow if he fails to justify his conduct.
Sanction for Customary Court President
The NJC issued a similar order to Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State. Justice Okorie chaired the Judicial Service Commission meeting that recommended Nzeukwu’s appointment against constitutional guidelines. The NJC asked him to show cause within seven days why he should not face disciplinary action for his involvement.
Three Judges Suspended for Gross Misconduct
The NJC also suspended three judges — including one from the Court of Appeal — for one year without pay due to serious misconduct:
- Justice Jane Inyang (Court of Appeal, Uyo Division) was suspended for abusing her position while serving at the Federal High Court, Uyo. She issued improper ex parte orders that enabled the sale of a petrol station and other businesses at an early stage of litigation (Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023), violating Rule 3(5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
- Justice Inyang Ekwo (Federal High Court, Abuja) was suspended and placed on a five-year watch list for delivering a ruling in a pending application without hearing both parties and dismissing charges improperly. His actions breached Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the Judicial Code.
- Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu (Federal High Court, Zamfara Division) was suspended and placed on a three-year watch list for granting orders that restrained security agencies from performing their statutory duties in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021 (Govt. of Zamfara vs EFCC), and for disregarding established legal precedents.
Additional Disciplinary Actions
- Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, received a caution for his conduct in a petition. The petition involved Chief Adesanya Musediku and the AIG of Police, Zone 2 (Suit No. FHC/CS/2021).
- Nine investigative panels were set up to probe 27 judicial officers.
- A total of 29 petitions were dismissed due to lack of merit, while others were deferred pending decisions from appellate courts.
NJC Rejects Petition on Zamfara Appointment Process
The NJC dismissed Mahmud Aliyu’s petition challenging the 2022 judicial appointment process in Zamfara State. Aliyu, who failed to secure the position, made baseless and false claims in his submission. The NJC barred him from all future judicial appointment processes as a result.
The NJC also dismissed a separate petition against the 2021 appointment of six Federal High Court judges. That petition violated Section 11(1) of the Judicial Discipline Regulations by missing the six-month complaint deadline.
NJC Announces Reforms for Transparency
In a major policy shift, the NJC decided to make future judicial appointments more transparent. The Council will now publish the names of shortlisted candidates for public comment. This new approach will allow objections based on integrity or competence to surface before final decisions. The NJC aims to boost transparency and strengthen public trust in the judicial appointment process.
Other Council Decisions
- The NJC accepted the voluntary retirement of Justice Babatunde Bakre.
- It also approved a name change for Justice I. A. Osayande of the Edo State High Court, who will now be known as Hon. Justice I. A. Dika.
