The National Judicial Council (NJC) has directed Imo Hope
Uzodimma, governor of Imo, to reverse the appointment of Theophilus Nzeukwu as
acting chief judge of the state.
In 2024, the NJC had recommended Chukwuemeka Chikeka, former
chief judge of the state, for compulsory retirement with effect from October
27, 2021, over age falsification.
On April 3, Uzodimma swore in Nzeukwu as the state’s acting
chief judge, but the NJC on April 4 said it did not approve the appointment.
In a statement issued after its 108th meeting held in Abuja
between April 29 and 30, the council directed Uzodimma to appoint the most
senior judge in the high court’s hierarchy as the acting chief judge in
conformity with section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The NJC resolved to issue Nzeukwu a query to show cause
within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for
accepting the appointment.
The NJC also directed V.U. Okorie, the president of the Imo
state customary court of appeal, to explain within seven days why disciplinary
action should not be taken against him for recommending Nzeukwu’s appointment
while serving as interim chairman of the Imo state Judicial Service Commission.
The council also suspended three serving judicial officers,
including a justice of the court of appeal, Jane E. Inyang, for one year each
without pay for various acts of judicial misconduct.
Inyang Ekwo, the judge of the federal high court, Abuja, has
also been suspended for one year without pay, placed on a watch list for five
years, and barred from elevation for five years.
The council also suspended Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the federal
high court, Zamfara Division, for a period of one year without pay for judicial
misconduct.
He is to be placed on a watchlist for three years and is
barred from elevation.
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