The National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of 10 judges in Imo State for falsifying their ages and engaging in other unethical practices.

 

This action followed the Council’s 109th meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. In a statement issued Thursday, the NJC revealed that five judges from the High Court and four from the Customary Court of Appeal had altered their official dates of birth to unlawfully prolong their tenure.

 

The affected judges from the Imo State High Court include Justices M.E. Nwagboso, B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Chinyere Ngozi Okereke, and Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi.

From the Customary Court of Appeal, the retired judges are Justices Tennyson Nze, Uchenna Ofoha, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe.

 

In a separate disciplinary action, the NJC also retired Justice T.N. Nzeukwu for violating Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution by accepting the position of Acting Chief Judge of Imo State despite being fourth in seniority.

 

The Council reiterated its directive to Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judge in the state judiciary as Acting Chief Judge in line with constitutional requirements.

 

Justice V.U. Okorie, President of the Imo Customary Court of Appeal and chair of the panel that recommended Justice Nzeukwu, was exonerated after it was confirmed he had formally dissented during the nomination.

 

Separately, the NJC recommended the appointment of 21 new judicial officers across various jurisdictions, including:

• Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye – Chief Judge of Ekiti State

• Kadi Abba Mammadi – Grand Kadi of Yobe State

• Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, Esq. – Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal

 

Other recommended appointments include:

• Cross River High Court: Edu Glory Bassey, Irem Melody Bassey

• Ogun High Court: Ojikutu Adebayo Julius, Adewole Adejumoke Oluwatoyin, Adebo Oluyemisi Olukemi

• Zamfara High Court: Garba Sirajo Aliyu, Bashir Rabi, Abdullahi Nasiru