Nigeria’s top judicial regulatory body, the National Judicial Council, has ordered the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to reverse the controversial appointment of an Acting Chief Judge, citing constitutional violations.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, noted that the directive follows the NJC’s 108th meeting, where sweeping disciplinary actions were announced, including the year-long suspension of three serving judicial officers and the empaneling of nine investigative committees to probe 27 others.
The NJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, reaffirmed that Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates state governors to appoint the most senior judge in the High Court as acting Chief Judge when a vacancy occurs, with no room for discretion.
In a rare rebuke, the NJC gave Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who assumed office as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, seven days to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
Similarly, the President of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, V. U. Okorie, was also asked to respond within seven days for his role in presiding over the Judicial Service Commission meeting that recommended the appointment—contrary to constitutional provisions.
Among the three judges suspended without pay for one year are: Jane E. Inyang (Court of Appeal, Uyo Division), sanctioned for issuing an ex parte order enabling the sale of assets, including a petrol station, during an interlocutory phase.
Inyang Ekwo (Federal High Court, Abuja), suspended for delivering a ruling without hearing the parties and disregarding an application to set aside court proceedings, in breach of judicial ethics.
Aminu Baffa Aliyu (Federal High Court, Zamfara Division), found guilty of obstructing law enforcement functions and ignoring precedent in a ruling involving the EFCC.
In addition, Ekwo was placed on a five-year watchlist and barred from elevation, while Baffa was similarly blacklisted for three years.
A letter of caution was also issued to A. O. Awogboro (Federal High Court, Lagos) following a petition over procedural lapses in a criminal case.
In a landmark move aimed at boosting public trust, the NJC announced that names of candidates under consideration for judicial appointments to superior courts will henceforth be published to allow for public input.
The Council stated that this measure seeks to promote transparency, integrity, and merit in the judicial selection process.
The NJC’s latest decisions reflect mounting pressure for greater accountability and reform in Nigeria’s judiciary, long criticised for corruption and lack of transparency.
By enforcing constitutional provisions, sanctioning errant judges, and opening up the appointment process to public scrutiny, the Council is signalling a shift toward more robust oversight.
With 27 judicial officers currently under investigation and dozens of petitions reviewed or dismissed, analysts say the NJC’s crackdown may trigger further reforms in state-level JSCs and strengthen the institutional checks against executive interference in the judiciary.
As Nigeria grapples with public demands for judicial integrity and efficient rule of law, the NJC’s actions mark a pivotal moment in reasserting the judiciary’s credibility in Africa’s largest democracy.