A high-stakes lawsuit seeking to mandate Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judge of the High Court of Imo State as the Acting Chief Judge took a dramatic turn yesterday following the sudden transfer of the presiding judge to another division.

The lawsuit was brought by human rights lawyer, Mr. Chinedu Agu against the the State Governor and the Imo State Attorney General seeking leave for judicial review by way of mandamus to compel the Governor to appoint the most senior judge in the State as Acting Chief Judge.

Though the matter was listed for hearing yesterday, the Plaintiff and his legal team  were informed that the court would not sit as the presiding judge, Hon. Justice L. C. Alinnor (Jnr) had been transferred to the High Court, Owerri North Judicial Division, sitting at Uratta. In his stead, Justice I. G. Chukwunyere was moved from Owerri North Judicial Division to replace him.

There are strong indications that the transfers may not be widespread, with some justice sector stakeholders speculating that the transfers may have been designed to stall the lawsuit. This claim has however not been independently verified by CITY LAWYER.

Some analysts say that the transfers may indicate ‘executive overreach’ into judicial affairs, with one commentator stating that “This reeks of executive interference. The fear that the judiciary in Imo is being captured by the Executive is no longer speculative — it is becoming evident.” 

Commenting on the development, Agu said that he was not surprised by what he described as the “Gestapo-like tactics” of the Executive. He, however, voiced deep concern over the implications for the rule of law and the ordinary citizens of Imo who depend on the courts for justice.

“This is not just about my case,” Agu noted. “It is about the soul of the judiciary in Imo State.”