Ten Imo State judges have been dismissed for misconduct as Nigeria’s top judicial body tightens its disciplinary grip.
The NJC also ordered retirement, warnings, and sanctions in sweeping decisions.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed 10 judges from the Imo State judiciary for misconduct, with many found guilty of manipulating their official birth records. The decision came at the NJC 109th meeting held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Of the judges affected, five served in the High Court, while four were from the Customary Court of Appeal. One judge, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu, was forced into compulsory retirement for controversially accepting the role of Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, despite being the fourth most senior judge, an appointment the NJC deemed irregular.
Others affected include Justices M. E. Nwagboso, B. C. Theka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Tennyson Nze, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe. The NJC cited age falsification as a major reason for their dismissal.
In its findings, the Council noted that these judges deliberately altered their dates of birth for personal benefit, a serious ethical violation within the judiciary. The NJC, however, also exonerated nine other judges previously under investigation for similar allegations. Three had no discrepancies in their records, two offered satisfactory explanations, and four had corrected errors that did not result in any advantage to them.
Reinforcing its stance on judicial hierarchy and procedure, the NJC reaffirmed its directive to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judge as the Acting Chief Judge of the state, thereby annulling Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment.
Meanwhile, Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal and chair of the nomination committee, was cleared of wrongdoing. Okorie had objected to Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment, a move the NJC considered in his favor.
In another disciplinary action, Justice Isaac J. Essien of the National Industrial Court was sanctioned with a three-year promotion ban. He was found guilty of issuing an order to confiscate over ₦1 billion belonging to Nasarawa State, despite the existence of a pending appeal. His previous affiliation with a state university involved in the dispute raised concerns about impartiality and conflict of interest.
The Council also reviewed 30 petitions from its complaints committees. As a result, four judges received formal warnings for offences ranging from abuse of judicial discretion to excessive delays in delivering judgments.
The NJC sweeping actions signal a renewed effort to restore integrity and transparency in Nigeria’s judiciary. The Council reiterated its commitment to discipline within the ranks, particularly in a climate where public trust in judicial institutions continues to face scrutiny.
