Imo JSC dismisses magistrate over alleged misconduct

• Suspends another, frees, cautions two
• NBA hails action, says it will enhance discipline in judiciary

The Imo Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed Magistrate G. C. Okoli over alleged misconduct.

In the same vein, another magistrate, C. P. Nnoromele, was suspended from further sitting in the judicial system in the state pending the conclusion of investigation on some petitions against her, while a strong letter of reprimand was handed over to A. C. Uzoma.

However, the petition against U. A. C. Ogoma was dismissed for lack of merit.

A statement signed by the Chief Registrar, C. N. Okereke, said the JSC took the decision via a memo on March 22, 2021 after its meeting held on March 16, 2021.

The memo read in part: “Judicial Service Commission at its meeting held on March 16, 2021 considered the petition written against four magistrates in the state.

“It approved the immediate dismissal of His Worship, G.C. Okoli from judicial service of Imo.

“It further directed His Worship C.P Nnoromele to stop sitting pending the outcome of investigation on the petition of likelihood of bias against her.

“The commission dismissed the petition against His Worship, U.A.C. Ogoma for lack of merit.”

MEANWHILE, speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Jude Ogamba, said the association accepted the actions of the JSC in the state, adding that it was normal to enhance discipline and sanitise the judiciary.

He said: “The JSC did its job. It is normal. It also enhances discipline in the judicial system. We welcome it.”