In a sweeping crackdown on judicial misconduct and constitutional violations, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to reverse the recent appointment of an Acting Chief Judge, while simultaneously suspending three serving judges across federal courts for serious breaches of judicial ethics.
At its 108th Meeting held on April 29–30, 2025, the NJC directed the Imo Governor to immediately appoint the most senior High Court Judge as Acting Chief Judge, in line with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Council declared the current appointment a breach of the Constitution and warned that no discretion is permitted in such appointments.
As part of its disciplinary actions, the NJC issued a 7-day query to:
- Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, for presenting himself to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, contrary to constitutional provisions.
- Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, for presiding over the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) meeting that recommended Nzeukwu’s appointment.
Simultaneously, the NJC suspended three judges including a Court of Appeal Justice, for acts of serious judicial misconduct, marking one of the Council’s strongest disciplinary actions in recent years.
They are:
- Justice Jane E. Inyang, now of the Court of Appeal (Uyo Division), was suspended for one year without pay. The Council found she issued inappropriate ex parte orders during her time at the Federal High Court, enabling the sale of a litigant’s petrol station and other businesses at the interlocutory stage.
- Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was placed on a five-year watchlist and barred from elevation after ruling on a charge without hearing parties and ignoring an application to set aside proceedings conducted in absentia.
- Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu, of the Federal High Court, Zamfara, was also suspended for one year without pay and placed on a three-year watchlist for granting orders that restrained security agencies from performing statutory duties in defiance of binding precedent.
The NJC further cautioned Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, over issues arising in a petition involving the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan.
These actions, according to the NJC, underscore its renewed commitment to restoring discipline, transparency, and constitutional adherence in Nigeria’s judiciary. The Council emphasized that no judicial officer is above the law and that the judiciary must be both independent and accountable.
See detailed press release below:
