Leadnaija
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of nine Imo State judges after confirming they falsified their official records to avoid retirement.
These nine judges 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.
While five of them are High Court Judges, four are Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal.
Those of the High Court are M. E. Nwagboso, B. C. Iheka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi and Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi. The four customary court justices are Tennyson Nze, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya and Rosemond Ibe.
According to the NJC, Nzeukwu presented himself to be sworn in as acting Chief Judge of the Imo State High Court, even though he was fourth in the order of seniority.
The council said this goes against Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
āHon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was sanctioned for making himself available to be sworn into office as acting Chief Judge of Imo State,ā reads a statement by Kemi Ogedengbe, NJCās deputy director of information.
In 2024, former Imo State Chief Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka was recommended for compulsory retirement over age falsification.
He was ordered to refund all salaries and allowances he had received in excess from October 27, 2021, until November 2024.
