NJC cancels appointment of Imo CJ, suspends three judges

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the immediate reversal of Theophilus Nzeukwu’s appointment as acting Chief Judge of Imo State, declaring the process unconstitutional.

Governor Hope Uzodimma had sworn in Nzeukwu on April 3, 2025, following the compulsory retirement of former Chief Judge Chukwuemeka Chikeka over age falsification.

However, the NJC said it did not approve Nzeukwu’s appointment and directed the governor to instead appoint the most senior judge in accordance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The council, at its 108th meeting held April 29–30 in Abuja, issued a seven-day ultimatum for Nzeukwu to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for accepting the position.

Similarly, V.U. Okorie, President of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, was also asked to justify his role in recommending Nzeukwu’s appointment while acting as interim chair of the Imo Judicial Service Commission.

In a broader disciplinary sweep, the NJC suspended three judges for misconduct:

Justice Jane E. Inyang, Court of Appeal — suspended for one year without pay.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, Federal High Court, Abuja — suspended for one year, barred from elevation for five years, and placed on a five-year watch list.

Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu, Federal High Court, Zamfara Division — suspended for one year without pay, placed on a three-year watch list, and barred from elevation.