Confusion in Enugu over retirement of Chief Judge by NJC

There was confusion in Enugu on Friday over reports that the National Judicial Commission has retired the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezuluike.

The NJC has been investigating various allegations of acts of corruption brought against the Chief Judge.

Umezuluike was alleged to have forged legal judgments for his personal gain.

He was equally accused of receiving the sum of N10m as bribe, and also ordering the arrest of petitioners.

Unconfirmed reports had it that the NJC recommended his compulsory retirement after investigating the allegations.

The development led to confusion at the headquarters of the Enugu State High Court, where Umezuluike’s office is located.

When our correspondent called at the state high court complex on Friday, judicial workers were observed discussing the development in low tones.

The development disrupted work at the high court, as nearly all the staff engaged in discussions about the matter.

Visitors were also involved in the discussions.

Our correspondent noted that most of the discussions among the state high court staff centred on possible replacements for Umezuluike.

Efforts to get Enugu State Government to react to the development were not successful as at the time of filing this report.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Miletus Eze, did not answer phone calls made by our correspondent.

 Also, the Commissioner of Information, Dr. Ikechukwu Udeuhele, could not be reached on the phone.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Louis Amoke, said he was yet to confirm the development.

However, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Olu Omotayo, of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network, commended the NJC for taking the decision.

Omotayo, who had earlier issued a statement, urging the Council to be firm while considering the allegations levelled against Umezuruike, said his forced retirement would sanitize the judiciary in Enugu State.

Reacting to the development in a chat with our correspondent, Omotayo said, “The NJC has done what it is supposed to do and this development will help sanitise the judiciary in Enugu State.

“It is a welcome development.”