Abuja, June 27, 2025 – At its 109th meeting on June 25, the National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, ordered the compulsory retirement of ten judges from Imo State’s judiciary. Nine were implicated in falsifying their birth dates to illegally extend their tenure, while another was penalized for improperly assuming the role of Acting Chief Judge—despite being fourth in line, violating Section 271(4) of Nigeria’s Constitution .
The judges forced into retirement include five from the High Court and four from the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal. In addition, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was sanctioned for inappropriately being sworn in as Acting Chief Judge . The NJC also reaffirmed its directive that the governor should appoint the most senior judge to the acting Chief Judge position .
At the same meeting, the NJC recommended 21 candidates for judicial appointments across the country. Key recommendations include Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye as Chief Judge of Ekiti State, and Kadi Abba Mammadi as Grand Kadi of Yobe State. The full list spans nominees for High Courts and Sharia/Customary Courts in states such as Cross River, Ogun, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Katsina .
