Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sworn in Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge of the state. The event took place on Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers in the Douglas House, Owerri.
The swearing-in of Justice Nzeukwu comes five months after Imo State was left without a Chief Judge. This vacancy followed the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation for the immediate retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, due to age falsification.
During the ceremony, the governor also swore in two newly appointed commissioners—Prof. Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha and Dr. Vivian Egu. The appointments are expected to strengthen governance and judicial administration in the state.
Justice Nzeukwu, who hails from Egwedu-Atta Autonomous Community in Njaba Local Government Area, brings years of judicial experience to his new role. His academic journey began at Central School No. II Atta for primary education, followed by Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu, and Federal Government College, Kano, for secondary schooling. He later proceeded to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he studied law.
After completing his legal studies, he attended the Nigerian Law School in Victoria Island, Lagos, and later served his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Ministry of Justice in Etina, Akwa Ibom State. He began his legal career at A.B.C. Iketuonye & Co. (SAN Chambers) in Owerri before moving into the judiciary.
Over the years, Justice Nzeukwu has held several positions within the Imo State judiciary, including Chief Magistrate, Deputy Chief Registrar of the High Court, Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, and most recently, a High Court Judge in Owerri. His appointment as the acting Chief Judge is expected to bring stability to the judiciary, ensuring efficiency and fairness in the state’s legal system.
Legal professionals in Imo State had previously urged the government to fill the vacant Chief Judge position to ensure proper administration of justice. With Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment, the judiciary is set to regain direction in handling legal matters and case assignments.
Meanwhile, the NJC had, during its 107th meeting on November 13 and 14, 2024, recommended the retirement of Justice Chikeka alongside Kadi Babagana, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, over similar allegations of age falsification.
