Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has voided the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, directing Governor Hope Uzodinma to reverse the decision and appoint the most senior judicial officer in accordance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution. The resolution was reached during the NJC’s 108th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Justice Nzeukwu and Justice V. U. Okorie, who recommended him, were both asked to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not follow. In wider disciplinary actions, the NJC suspended three judges, including Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, for one year without pay for misconduct and breach of judicial ethics. Justices Inyang Ekwo and Aminu Baffa Aliyu were also suspended for judicial improprieties. The Council dismissed several petitions, empanelled committees to investigate 27 judges, and resolved to make future judicial appointments more transparent by inviting public comments on nominees. It also approved one voluntary retirement and a name change for a state High Court judge.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has voided the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge of Imo State and directed Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judicial officer in accordance with the 1999 Constitution. This decision was made during the NJC's 108th meeting on April 29-30, 2025. The NJC ordered Nzeukwu to explain within seven days why he should not face disciplinary actions for his actions, and also directed Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, to show cause for his role in recommending Nzeukwu's appointment. Additionally, the NJC suspended three judicial officers for misconduct, including Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, who was found to have abused her power by issuing improper orders, and Justice Inyang Ekwo, who dismissed charges without a hearing. Both faced significant disciplinary measures, including suspensions and restrictions on future elevations.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) faction aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister has filed a suit in the Federal High Court, Abuja, contesting the legitimacy of the party's convention held on November 15-16 in Ibadan, called by the faction led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The plaintiffs, including the PDP's Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, seek to declare the convention and its resolutions null and void, prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing them. This action follows previous complaints from other PDP members regarding violations of internal rules and statutory provisions. Despite conflicting court rulings, the convention proceeded under heavy security, resulting in the expulsion of several key members. The new suit lists 18 defendants and alleges disregard for prior court orders, seeking to restore access to party offices and prevent recognition of newly elected officers. A hearing date for the suit has not yet been established.