By Toba Owojaiye
Abuja, Nigeria
In a paradigm shift towards zero-tolerance policy toward judicial malpractice, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of nine judges in Imo State for falsifying their dates of birth in a deliberate attempt to unlawfully extend their tenure.
Truth Live News gathered that the pivotal decision was taken during the Council’s 109th plenary session, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Judges Affected by Retirement over Age Falsification (Imo State):
High Court:
Justice M. E. Nwagboso
Justice B. C. Iheka
Justice K. A. Leaweanya
Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi
Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi
Customary Court of Appeal:
Justice Tennyson Nze
Justice Ofoha Uchenna
Justice Everyman Eleanya
Justice Rosemond Ibe
In a separate disciplinary action, the NJC compulsorily retired Justice T. N. Nzeukwu for unlawfully presenting himself as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State in violation of constitutional procedure. The Council reiterated its binding directive to Governor Hope Uzodinma to swear in the most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge—a directive he is yet to comply with.
In a bid to preserve fairness, nine other judges, whose cases involved minor discrepancies, were exonerated after satisfactorily defending their positions.
Beyond Imo State, the NJC also took decisive disciplinary and administrative steps, including:
Barred Justice Isaac Essien of the National Industrial Court from elevation or promotion for three years following verified misconduct.
Appointed Mainasara Umar as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, a pivotal anti-corruption body.
Approved 21 new judicial appointments across various states to reinforce the judiciary’s strength and restore credibility.
This sweeping purge, the most severe in recent NJC history, signals a significant shift under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership, reestablishing the Council as a vigilant guardian of integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary. The timing is politically sensitive: Imo State’s judiciary has been embroiled in crisis over succession and interference from the executive arm.
Analysts say the move sends a bold warning to state governors and judicial officers attempting to undermine due process. “What we are seeing is a subtle but firm assertion of constitutional authority by the NJC,” remarked a senior judicial observer.
This crackdown on age falsification and judicial misconduct is not just about discipline, it is a litmus test for the judiciary’s willingness to reform itself from within. Whether the Imo State Government complies with the NJC’s directive will determine whether justice can truly remain blind—or whether it will continue to be blindfolded by politics.