“Executive Interference”: Suit Challenging Imo Acting Chief Judge’s Appointment Disrupted By Controversial Court Transfer

The legal battle challenging the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State took a dramatic and controversial turn this morning, as the presiding judge and the case were abruptly transferred just minutes before the scheduled hearing.

The lawsuit, filed by legal practitioner Chinedu Agu against the Governor of Imo State and the Attorney General, seeks an order of mandamus compelling the Governor to appoint the most senior judge of the High Court as Acting Chief Judge, in line with constitutional convention. The motion was set for hearing today at the High Court, Iho Division.

However, upon arrival at the court premises, Agu and his legal team were informed that the court would not sit. In a sudden and unexplained development, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice L.C. Alinnor (Jnr), had been transferred effective immediately to the High Court, Owerri North Judicial Division, sitting at Uratta. Sources further confirmed that the case itself has now been moved to the judicial headquarters for potential reassignment.

The transfer came amid a near-simultaneous judicial reshuffle, with Hon. Justice I.G. Chukwunyere reassigned from Owerri North to replace Justice Alinnor at Iho Division, while Justice Alinnor assumed duties at Owerri North.

The abrupt move has sparked outrage among legal practitioners in the state, many of whom view it as a blatant case of executive interference. Critics argue that the Governor’s earlier appointment of the fourth most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge — bypassing more senior judges — already raised significant concerns, now compounded by the disruption of ongoing judicial proceedings.

“This reeks of executive interference. The fear that the judiciary in Imo is being captured by the Executive is no longer speculative — it’s becoming evident,” a senior lawyer in the state told reporters.

Speaking on the development, Plaintiff Chinedu Agu expressed dismay but said he was not surprised by what he described as “Gestapo-like tactics” deployed to frustrate the suit.

“This is not just about my case,” Agu said. “It’s about the soul of the judiciary in Imo State. If the courts can no longer deliver justice freely and fairly, it is the ordinary citizens who will suffer most.”