The Imo State Judiciary has been enmeshed in a deepening crisis, attracting public scrutiny and generating heated discourse within legal circles. The controversy reached a crescendo during the recently concluded Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, where questions surrounding the competence and integrity of the current Imo State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) took centre stage.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
In response to petitions and public confusion, TheNigeriaLawyer undertook an investigation into the unfolding events and controversies bedeviling the Imo Judiciary. What follows is a detailed exposé of the issues based on verified documents, insider accounts, and commission records.
1. Appointment of Acting Chief Judge: Behind-the-Scenes Intrigues
On April 4, 2025, the Imo State Judicial Service Commission screened the top four most senior judges in the state, ostensibly to select a substantive Chief Judge. However, events took a controversial turn when the Governor—acting on legal advice from the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C.O.C. Akaolisa—proceeded to swear in Hon. Justice Nzukwu as Acting Chief Judge.
The decision was reportedly designed to pre-empt a pending suit filed by a legal practitioner, Mr. Chinedu Agu, seeking a mandamus order compelling the Governor to appoint the most senior judge in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Sources within the Commission stated that members were neither consulted nor informed of the swearing-in, learning of the ceremony only afterward. They were allegedly summoned late in the evening for a group photograph to lend credibility to the process. Reports suggest that Justice Nzukwu was misled into believing that Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua was no longer eligible under Section 271(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a position pushed by the sacked Attorney-General.
2. Commission’s February Resolution and CJN Correspondence
During a February 14, 2025, meeting of the JSC, the former Attorney-General relinquished his interim chairmanship to Hon. Justice V.C. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal. It was at this session that the Commission was informed of a January 23, 2025, letter from the Governor to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) requesting a waiver to appoint a judge other than the most senior one.
The Commission was persuaded to issue a resolution purportedly to support the Governor’s request to the CJN. However, Commission members maintain the resolution was a goodwill gesture, not borne out of ignorance or political complicity, and was never a constitutional prerequisite for the Governor’s appointment power.
3. The Age Falsification Scandal: How It All Began
Contrary to public belief, the controversial investigation into the dates of birth of Imo State judges began under the tenure of the previous Judicial Service Commission in July 2024. It was initiated following allegations against the immediate past Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, over age falsification.
Hon. Lady Mercy Anyanwu, supported by Hon. Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, SAN, moved the initial motion, which later led to the Commission writing to the Council of Legal Education and Nigerian Law School for verification of each judge’s official record. The investigation was broad-based and non-targeted; no judge was initially singled out.
When the current Commission assumed office on January 31, 2025, the investigation report had already been submitted to the Governor. Unable to modify the findings or remove any names, the present Commission forwarded the report to the National Judicial Council (NJC), in line with Paragraph 6(b), Part I, Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.
4. Allegations Against Former Chief Registrar, Naomi Achunolu
Amid the crisis, further controversy emerged over the removal of the former Chief Registrar of the High Court, Naomi Achunolu, Esq. Following the NJC’s reversal of Justice Nzukwu’s appointment and a query issued to him and Justice V.C. Okorie, the Commission held an emergency meeting where the former Attorney-General alleged that Achunolu had misappropriated monthly imprests and judiciary funds amounting to N15–20 million.
He further accused her of unauthorised auctioning of judiciary properties at the Old High Court Complex, Orlu Road. Though the Acting Chief Judge was absent, the Commission—wary of escalating tensions—opted to redeploy Achunolu as Chief Magistrate Grade 1 instead of issuing a formal query.
It has since emerged that the Attorney-General, now sacked, played a central role in both the age verification probe and the controversial disciplinary measures taken against judicial officers and staff.
Conclusion: Misleading Narratives and Structural Failures
Our investigation reveals a pattern of administrative overreach, poor communication, and misinformation. Much of the public outrage against the current Judicial Service Commission appears to be the result of either a misreading of facts or deliberate misrepresentation, often fueled by former state officials.
The Imo Judiciary’s current predicament is not rooted in a single misstep but a complex web of legal manoeuvring, political influence, and institutional inertia. As the National Judicial Council continues its intervention, it is imperative for all stakeholders—including the Bar, Bench, and civil society—to pursue transparency, accountability, and constitutional adherence in rebuilding trust in the system.
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
