Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge of the state.
The ceremony took place at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers, Douglas House, Owerri.
Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment comes five months after Imo State had been without a Chief Judge, following the National Judicial Council’s recommendation for the immediate retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, over age falsification.
In addition to swearing in Justice Nzeukwu, Governor Uzodimma also inaugurated two new commissioners—Prof. Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha and Dr. Vivian Egu.
Justice Nzeukwu hails from Egwedu-Atta Autonomous Community in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. He attended Central School No. II Atta for his primary education and later proceeded to Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu (B.S.C), and Federal Government College, Kano, for his secondary education. He earned his law degree from the University of Lagos and attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.
After completing his National Youth Service Corps at the Ministry of Justice, Etina, Akwa Ibom State, he began his legal career at A.B.C. Iketuonye & Co. (SAN Chambers), Owerri.
Justice Nzeukwu’s judicial career within the Imo State Judiciary has been extensive. He served as Chief Magistrate, Deputy Chief Registrar of the High Court of Owerri, Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Owerri, and a High Court Judge before his elevation to Acting Chief Judge.
His appointment is expected to bring stability and leadership to the judiciary, which has faced administrative challenges in recent months. The jurist’s vast experience—from magistracy to high court adjudication—is anticipated to strengthen judicial processes and uphold the rule of law in Imo State.
Lawyers and stakeholders had called for the appointment of a new Chief Judge to provide direction, assign cases, and manage the judicial administration effectively. The appointment of Justice Nzeukwu addresses these concerns, promising renewed leadership in the state’s justice system.
The position of Chief Judge became vacant following the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024. During this meeting, the Council recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, for age falsification.
