The Imo State Judiciary is currently engulfed in a significant crisis marked by controversies that have drawn intense public and legal scrutiny. The issues culminated during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch Law Week, where debates over the competence and integrity of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) took centre stage.
An investigation by TheNigeriaLawyer has uncovered a complex web of events involving questionable decisions, political influence, and administrative disputes within the Imo Judiciary.
One major flashpoint was the appointment of Hon. Justice Nzukwu as Acting Chief Judge on April 4, 2025. Although the JSC screened the top four senior judges for the substantive Chief Judge position, the Governor—following advice from former Attorney-General Barr. C.O.C. Akaolisa—swore in Justice Nzukwu without consulting the Commission. Sources reveal that the Governor’s action was aimed at pre-empting a lawsuit demanding the appointment of the most senior judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua.
In February 2025, the JSC, under new leadership, issued a resolution seemingly supporting the Governor’s request to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) for a waiver to appoint a judge outside of seniority. Commission members claim this resolution was a goodwill gesture, not a legal necessity.
Further complicating matters is an ongoing age falsification investigation that began in July 2024 during the previous JSC tenure. The probe, initiated after allegations against the former Chief Judge Hon. Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, involved verification of judges’ birth records by legal education authorities. The current Commission inherited the investigation and submitted the report to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Adding to the turmoil, allegations of financial mismanagement surfaced against former Chief Registrar Naomi Achunolu, including misuse of judiciary funds and unauthorized property auctions. The controversial measures against her were reportedly influenced by the now-sacked Attorney-General, who played a pivotal role in both the age probe and disciplinary actions.
The investigation highlights a pattern of administrative overreach, poor communication, and political interference rather than isolated misconduct. Public outrage appears driven partly by misinformation and political agendas.
As the National Judicial Council continues to intervene, stakeholders within the judiciary and civil society are called upon to prioritize transparency, accountability, and constitutional adherence to restore public confidence in Imo State’s justice system.
