Age Falsification: NJC Forces Nine Imo Judges into Retirement

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved the compulsory retirement of nine judges in the Imo State judiciary for falsifying their dates of birth to extend their tenure in office.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the council revealed that nine of the affected judges had altered official records to remain in service longer, a violation of judicial ethics.

“Nine (9) of the affected judges of the Imo state judiciary were found to have altered their dates of birth in their official records to confer on themselves the undue advantage of staying longer in service,” the statement said.

The judges affected include M. E. Nwagboso, B. C. Iheka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, and Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi of the high court; and Tennyson Nze, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe of the customary court of appeal.

A tenth judge, Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu, was also compulsorily retired for allowing himself to be sworn in as acting chief judge, despite being fourth in seniority.

“While the other judicial officer, Hon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was found to have made himself available to be sworn in as acting chief judge of Imo state high court knowing fully well that he was number four in the hierarchy of judges of the Imo state judiciary and contrary to Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” the NJC noted.

See Also

Jim Ovia retires as Zenith Bank Group Chairman 36 years after founding the institution

The council reaffirmed its earlier directive to Governor Hope Uzodimma to swear in the most senior judge as the acting chief judge, in compliance with constitutional provisions.

The NJC also announced disciplinary actions against other judicial officers nationwide, including barring Justice Isaac Essien of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years over misconduct.