The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of 11 judges following its 109th meeting, which was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The NJC’s decision, made public on Thursday through an official statement, has sent ripples through Nigeria’s judiciary and sparked nationwide discussion on integrity and accountability within the judicial system.
According to the statement signed by Kemi Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information at the NJC, the disciplinary action was taken after thorough investigations into allegations of age falsification and misconduct by several judges. Notably, 10 of the 11 affected judges are from the Imo State Judiciary.
“Nine of the affected judges of the Imo State Judiciary were found to have altered their dates of birth in their official records in order to confer on themselves the undue advantage of staying longer in service,”
the NJC stated.
The implicated judges from Imo State include five High Court judges and four judges of the Customary Court of Appeal. Their names are as follows:
Justice M. E. Nwagboso (High Court), Justice B. C. Iheka (High Court), Justice K. A. Leaweanya (High Court), Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi (High Court), Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi (High Court), Justice Tennyson Nze (Customary Court of Appeal), Justice Ofoha Uchenna (Customary Court of Appeal), Justice Everyman Eleanya (Customary Court of Appeal), Justice Rosemond Ibe (Customary Court of Appeal).
The NJC also recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Babatunde Bakre of the Ogun State High Court and Justice H. O. Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Imo State case involves Justice T. N. Nzeukwu, who allegedly presented himself to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, despite being fourth in line by seniority. The NJC noted that this act violated constitutional provisions governing judicial appointment.
The Council emphasized that its decision was based on the findings of its Investigation Committee, which reviewed allegations of age falsification against 18 judges. After a thorough examination of their records and testimonies, the Council concluded that 11 of them were guilty of misconduct warranting immediate disciplinary action.
In line with the Council’s recommendations, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has been directed to appoint the most senior judge in the state as the Acting Chief Judge, in accordance with the constitutional requirement for succession based on seniority and merit.
This sweeping disciplinary action by the NJC underscores its renewed commitment to judicial accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity. It also serves as a stern warning to judicial officers across the country that unethical behavior—including falsification of age to unlawfully extend tenure—will not be tolerated.
Legal analysts have applauded the NJC’s firm stance, urging the judiciary to strengthen its internal vetting processes and uphold the highest standards of judicial ethics.
As Nigeria continues its quest for judicial reform, the NJC’s action may mark a pivotal moment in restoring credibility and discipline to one of the country’s most important institutions.
