The Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai, has approved the posting of 12 judges across various judicial divisions in the state, effective Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The new postings were announced in an official circular dated July 30, 2025, issued by the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Delta State High Court of Justice in Asaba. According to the Chief Judge, the changes were made “owing to the exigencies of service” and in line with Section 35 of the High Court Law, Cap. H3, Volume 3, Laws of Delta State 2006.
Among the major reshuffles, Hon. Justice K. O. Okpu, formerly at the High Court in Ogwashi-Uku, has been posted to Akwukwu-Igbo. Hon. Justice C. E. Achilefu (Mrs.) moves from Otor-Udu to Effurun High Court No. 1, while Hon. Justice E. I. Oritsejafor has been transferred from Effurun High Court No. 1 to Otu-Jeremi.
Other changes include Hon. Justice F. N. Azinge (Mrs.), who relocates from Asaba High Court No. 4 to Ogwashi-Uku; Hon. Justice C. N. Ogadi (Mrs.) moves from Agbor to Issele-Uku; and Hon. Justice T. O. Uloho (Mrs.) is reassigned from Otu-Jeremi to Otor-Udu High Court No. 1.
Additional postings are as follows: Hon. Justice M. N. Obi to Asaba High Court No. 4, Hon. Justice H. O. Akpotohwo (Mrs.) to Ibusa, Hon. Justice M. O. Omovie (Mrs.) to Owa-Oyibu, and Hon. Justice M. C. Okoh to Agbor. Hon. Justice E. G. Timi (Mrs.) has been assigned to Umunede, while Hon. Justice C. I. Dafe (Mrs.) will now preside at Effurun High Court No. 3, covering the Ekpan division pending the appointment of new judges.
In line with the National Judicial Council (NJC) Policy Guidelines on pending cases issued on June 16, 2025, the Chief Judge directed that all cases that have reached an advanced stage or are awaiting judgment will automatically move with the affected judges to their new postings.
For criminal cases, the policy outlines that matters at an “advanced stage” include those involving trial-within-trial, rulings on no-case submissions, defence stages, scheduled judgments, or where at least three prosecution witnesses have testified.
Accordingly, the Chief Judge has stated that no formal application is required to transfer such cases and that her office will not entertain any requests for warrants or complaints related to these matters.
The circular was signed by the Chief Registrar, Mrs. Eloho Okodiya-Onoriose.
