The National Judicial Council (NJC) has asked Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to cancel the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State. Instead, the governor was told to appoint the most senior judge in the state as Acting Chief Judge.

This decision was made at the NJC’s 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025. According to Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, the council also told Justice Nzeukwu to explain within seven days why he allowed himself to be sworn in, even though he was not the most senior judge.

Justice Nzeukwu was appointed by Governor Uzodinma on April 4 after the former Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chikeka, was removed due to allegations of age falsification.

The NJC also demanded an explanation from Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State, who recommended Nzeukwu’s appointment. He acted as the Interim Chairman of the state’s Judicial Service Commission and has also been given seven days to respond.

Additionally, the NJC suspended three judges for misconduct. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, was suspended for one year without pay. He was found guilty of giving improper ex parte orders that led to the sale of a petrol station and other businesses during a case.

Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court in Zamfara was also suspended for one year without pay. He gave an order stopping security agencies from doing their jobs and ignored legal precedents. He has been placed on a watch list for three years and will not be promoted during that time.

Lastly, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, was given a warning over a case involving the Assistant General of Police in Onikan, Lagos. The NJC acted on a petition filed against her by two individuals.

These actions show the NJC’s continued effort to promote discipline and fairness in Nigeria’s judiciary.