*Retires 9 Imo Judges Over Age Falsification Scandal

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has cleared nine judges of the Imo State Judiciary of allegations bordering on age falsification, reaffirming their integrity and confirming their eligibility to continue serving on the bench. This follows a comprehensive investigation into 18 judges accused of manipulating their birth records to unlawfully extend their tenure, a matter that sparked public outcry after petitions from the Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) described it as “an unprecedented disgrace of monumental proportions.”

Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, disclosed the findings in a statement issued after the NJC’s 109th meeting held on June 26, 2025. The meeting was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairperson, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON.

Following meticulous review of affidavits, Call-to-Bar records, and other official documents, the Council found no evidence of falsification in nine judges. These include five High Court judges and four from the Customary Court of Appeal:

High Court Judges:

  • Hon. Justice M. E. Nwagboso
  • Hon. Justice B. C. Iheka
  • Hon. Justice K. A. Leweanya
  • Hon. Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi
  • Hon. Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi

Customary Court of Appeal Judges:

  • Hon. Justice Tennyson Nze
  • Hon. Justice Ofoha Uchenna
  • Hon. Justice Everyman Eleanya
  • Hon. Justice Rosemond Ibe

While some judges had minor discrepancies, these were satisfactorily explained or did not benefit them, meeting the Council’s standards of administrative transparency.

Further clarifications showed:

  • Three judges had no discrepancies: Hon. Justices I. O. Agugua, C. A. Ononeze-Madu, and L. C. Azuama.
  • Two judges explained discrepancies and were instructed to align official records accordingly: Hon. Justices Vincent I. Onyeka and Vivian O. B. Ekezie.
  • Four judges corrected their birth dates to their disadvantage and were exonerated: Hon. Justices P. U. Nnodum, Alma Ngozi Eluwa, Matthew Chinedu Ijezie, and Ononogbo Chidi Linus.

The Council reiterated its earlier directive to Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judicial officer as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State in accordance with constitutional provisions.

In a decisive move, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of ten Imo State judges found guilty of age falsification or related misconduct.

Nine judges were found to have deliberately altered their birth records to unlawfully extend their tenure. These include five High Court judges and four judges from the Customary Court of Appeal:

High Court Judges:

  • Hon. Justice M. E. Nwagboso
  • Hon. Justice B. C. Iheka
  • Hon. Justice K. A. Leaweanya
  • Hon. Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi
  • Hon. Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi

Customary Court of Appeal Judges:

  • Hon. Justice Tennyson Nze
  • Hon. Justice Ofoha Uchenna
  • Hon. Justice Everyman Eleanya
  • Hon. Justice Rosemond Ibe

In addition, Hon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was retired for unlawfully making himself available to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, despite being fourth in seniority, violating Section 271(4) of the Nigerian Constitution. The NJC absolved the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice V. U. Okorie, who chaired the commission nominating Nzeukwu, as he formally dissented from the appointment.

The Council again urged Governor Uzodinma to swear in the most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge of the state.

The NJC’s probe began after petitions by the Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) accusing several judges of manipulating their birth dates to secure judicial appointments or extend their service. The two-day investigative panel, chaired by Justice A.D. Yahaya of the Court of Appeal, heard from the 18 judges on May 7 and 8, 2025. Justice Yahaya was described by insiders as a firm jurist dedicated to judicial integrity.

While nine judges were cleared, investigations continue on others, with the NJC committed to holding all judicial officers accountable.

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