The National Judicial Council (NJC) has extended the appointment of Hon. Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from 26 June 2026 to 26 September 2026. Letter of Extension.
The extension was conveyed in a letter dated 30 June 2026, signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, and addressed to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma. Letter of Extension.
According to the letter, the Council had, at its 111th Meeting held on 13 May 2026, resolved that if the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge of Imo State was not concluded before the expiration of Justice Agugua’s previous tenure on 26 June 2026, her acting appointment would be further extended. Letter of Extension.
The NJC noted that the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge has not yet been concluded and, in line with Section 271(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), approved the fresh three-month extension to ensure continuity in the administration of justice in the state. Letter of Extension.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Paul Obinatu, Esq., was formally notified of the extension in a separate communication dated 3 July 2026, underscoring the official transmission of the Council’s decision to the Imo State Government.
Justice Agugua will therefore continue to serve as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State pending the conclusion of the process for the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
