FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – The National Judicial Council (NJC) has intervened in the protracted controversy surrounding the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Imo State, directing the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the state’s Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, in the shortlist of candidates for the position.
The directive, which followed deliberations at a recent meeting of the Council in Abuja, marks a significant development in efforts to resolve the lingering disagreement over the leadership succession process within the Imo State judiciary.
The controversy dates back to November 2024, following the compulsory retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice T. E. Chikeka, over allegations of age falsification.
Following her retirement, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was appointed Acting Chief Judge, notwithstanding the fact that he was fourth in the state’s judicial hierarchy. The appointment, however, was rejected by the NJC on the grounds that it contravened Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that the most senior judge of a state’s High Court shall perform the functions of the Chief Judge whenever the office becomes vacant.
In June 2025, the NJC recommended Justice Nzeukwu for compulsory retirement over his acceptance of the appointment in disregard of the established judicial hierarchy.
The Council subsequently directed Governor Hope Uzodimma to swear in the most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge, a directive that culminated in the appointment of Justice Ijeoma Agugua.
However, the process towards appointing a substantive Chief Judge encountered another setback when the Imo State Judicial Service Commission submitted its shortlist of candidates to the NJC without including Justice Agugua, despite her position as the most senior judge and incumbent Acting Chief Judge.
The exclusion prompted a petition dated 11/06/2026 by Mr Bob Njemanze, who challenged the decision to omit Justice Agugua from the list of candidates.
After considering the petition, the NJC directed its Secretariat to formally communicate with the Imo State Judicial Service Commission, requesting the inclusion of Justice Agugua’s name in the shortlist of candidates recommended for appointment as substantive Chief Judge.
The Council reaffirmed that although the Judicial Service Commission has the constitutional responsibility to recommend suitable candidates for judicial appointments, the NJC retains the authority to assess and determine the suitability of candidates presented to it.
The latest intervention reinforces the importance of constitutional provisions, judicial seniority and due process in the administration of justice. It also highlights the NJC’s oversight responsibility in ensuring that judicial appointments conform to established constitutional and institutional standards.
The development is expected to provide further direction towards resolving the leadership impasse and advancing the process for the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge for Imo State.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
ACIPRO/ANIPR
10/11/2026
