The National Judicial Council (NJC) has intervened in the controversy surrounding the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Imo State, directing the state’s Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, in the shortlist of candidates for the position.
The directive followed a petition submitted by Bob Njemanze on June 11, 2026, challenging the commission’s decision to exclude Justice Agugua from its original shortlist.
The dispute dates back to November 2024, when the former Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chikeka, was compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification, creating a vacancy in the state’s judiciary.
Following his retirement, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was appointed acting Chief Judge, despite reportedly being fourth in the judicial hierarchy. The appointment was rejected by the NJC on the grounds that it did not comply with Section 271(4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that the most senior judge of a state’s High Court should perform the functions of the Chief Judge when the office becomes vacant.
In June 2025, the NJC recommended Justice Nzeukwu for compulsory retirement over his acceptance of the acting position in disregard of the established judicial hierarchy.
The council subsequently directed Governor Hope Uzodimma to swear in the most senior judge, leading to the appointment of Justice Agugua as Acting Chief Judge.
However, another disagreement emerged when the Imo State Judicial Service Commission submitted its shortlist for the substantive position without including her name.
At its 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, the NJC considered the petition and directed its secretariat to formally request that the commission include Justice Agugua among the candidates being considered for appointment.
The council acknowledged that the Judicial Service Commission has the constitutional responsibility to advise it on suitable candidates for the position but maintained that the NJC retains the authority to determine the suitability of candidates presented to it.
The latest intervention is expected to influence the next stage of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge in Imo State.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
