A high-stakes lawsuit mandating the Governor to appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court of Imo State took a dramatic twist this morning, as the presiding judge was unexpectedly transferred—along with the case—just minutes before the hearing of the matter.
The motion, filed by legal practitioner Chinedu Agu against the Governor of Imo State and the Attorney General, seeks leave for judicial review by way of Mandamu to compel the Governor to appoint the most senior judge in the State as Acting Chief Judge. The matter was listed for hearing of the motion today, April 9, 2025.
However, in a sudden and unexplained development, the Plaintiff and his legal team arrived at the High Court, Iho Division this morning only to be informed that the court would not sit, as the presiding judge, Hon. Justice L.C. Alinnor (Jnr) had been transferred effective immediately to the High Court, Owerri North Judicial Division, sitting at Uratta.
Sources confirmed that the case itself has now been moved to the judicial headquarters for potential reassignment—further stalling proceedings and raising fresh questions about interference.
In a near-simultaneous reshuffle, Hon. Justice I.G. Chukwunyere was moved from Owerri North Judicial Division to replace Hon. Justice L.C. Alinnor (Jnr), who, in turn, has now taken over the Owerri North Judicial Division.
The sudden transfer has triggered widespread condemnation among legal practitioners in the state. Many view it as a troubling sign of executive overreach into judicial affairs. Critics point to the Governor’s initial appointment of the 4th most senior judge as Acting CJ as a red flag—one now exacerbated by what appears to be a calculated disruption of judicial proceedings.
“This reeks of executive interference. The fear that the judiciary in Imo is being captured by the Executive is no longer speculative—it’s becoming evident,” one senior lawyer stated.
Commenting on the development, the Plaintiff, Chinedu Agu, said he was not surprised by what he described as the “Gestapo-like tactics” of the Executive. He, however, voiced deep concern over the implications for the rule of law and the ordinary citizens of Imo who depend on the courts for justice.
“This is not just about my case,” Agu noted. “It’s about the soul of the judiciary in Imo State.”
