The National Judicial Council has directed the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of Acting Chief Judge Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as the state’s substantive chief judge.
The directive followed a petition challenging the commission’s decision to omit Ms Agugua, who is both the most senior judge of the Imo State High Court and the current acting chief judge, from its recommended list. At its 112th meeting on November 3, 2026, the NJC instructed its secretariat to formally request that the commission add her name.
The vacancy arose after the compulsory retirement of former Chief Judge T. E. Chikeka in November 2024 over allegations of age falsification. T. N. Nzeukwu, then fourth in the judicial hierarchy, was appointed acting chief judge. The NJC rejected the appointment for violating Section 271(4) of the Constitution, which requires the most senior high court judge to perform the functions of the chief judge when the office is vacant.
In June 2025, the council recommended Mr Nzeukwu for compulsory retirement for accepting the acting position and disregarding judicial hierarchy. It then directed Governor Hope Uzodimma to swear in the most senior judge, leading to Ms Agugua’s appointment as acting chief judge.
A fresh controversy emerged when the Imo Judicial Service Commission submitted a shortlist for the substantive position that excluded Ms Agugua. Lawyer Bob Njemanze filed a petition dated June 11, 2026, contesting the omission.
The NJC noted that while the commission has the constitutional role of advising on suitable candidates, the council retains the authority to determine the suitability of those presented. The council’s statement did not explain why Ms Agugua was left off the original shortlist.
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