NBA Issues Ultimatum as Imo Judiciary Remains in Paralysis

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has declared a “silent state of emergency” in Imo State, accusing the government of stalling justice by failing to swear in the duly appointed Acting Chief Judge.

The crisis began after the removal of Justice Theresa Chikeka in late 2024 by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over allegations of age falsification.

Her exit created a vacuum that should have been constitutionally filled in line with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the governor to appoint the most senior judge of the High Court in an acting capacity.

However, on April 4, 2025, Governor Hope Uzodimma bypassed seniority and appointed Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, fourth in line as Acting Chief Judge.

He was sworn in despite protests from judicial stakeholders and without the NJC’s approval.

The NJC swiftly rejected the appointment, issuing a seven-day query to Justice Nzeukwu and other judicial officers involved.

In its April 2025 directive, the NJC restated that no discretion exists in appointing an Acting Chief Judge beyond seniority and warned that Nzeukwu risked disciplinary sanctions. By July 2025, the NJC moved further, recommending his compulsory retirement for presenting himself in defiance of constitutional provisions.

The paralysis deepened as courts struggled with administrative bottlenecks.

With no validly recognized Chief Judge, urgent applications and judicial approvals requiring the head of court could not be processed.

Litigants and lawyers alike complained of their rights being stalled.

On September 20, 2025, the NBA, through a strongly worded statement, issued an ultimatum to the state government to immediately comply with the NJC’s directive and swear in the most senior judge.

The association warned that continued disobedience risked undermining the rule of law in Imo State.

“The delay has crippled the judicial system, leaving Imo citizens stranded without effective access to justice.”

“This is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” the NBA stated.

Meanwhile, a suit filed by lawyer Victor Nwadike at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeks a mandamus order compelling Governor Uzodimma to appoint the most senior judge.

The matter has been adjourned to October 21, 2025, for ruling.

For now, the Imo judiciary remains in limbo, with the NJC, NBA, and civil society calling on the state government to resolve the crisis.

Until then, justice in the state hangs in the balance.