RULAAC demands investigation into claims Imo judge orders imprisonment of 2 staff for 7 days
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the National Judicial Council to investigate allegations that a judge of the Imo State High Court ordered the imprisonment of two court staff for seven days.
In a petition dated May 25, 2026 and addressed to the NJC Chairman, RULAAC said the alleged order was reportedly issued by Hon. Justice V.O.B. Ekezie against clerks attached to her court.
The petition signed by RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, revealed that the clerks were punished allegedly for failing to respond satisfactorily to administrative queries and for providing Certified True Copies of court documents used in petitions against the judge.
According to the petition, the staff were accused of leaking documents related to complaints filed by litigants in Suit No. HOW/792/2022, which is pending before the court.
RULAAC said the Chief Judge of Imo State intervened to prevent the execution of the imprisonment order.“If these allegations are accurate, they raise serious constitutional, ethical, and institutional concerns that warrant urgent attention by the National Judicial Council,” the group wrote.
RULAAC argued that issuing a query is an administrative disciplinary tool, and refusal to respond does not constitute a criminal offense warranting detention outside lawful proceedings. It cited Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and fair hearing.
The group said the alleged actions, if confirmed, could create the appearance of retaliation against staff linked to complaints against the court, and risk undermining public confidence in judicial impartiality.
RULAAC asked the NJC to conduct an independent investigation, determine whether constitutional safeguards were violated, and examine whether the conduct complied with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
It also urged the council to review the handling and reassignment of Suit No. HOW/792/2022 and investigate claims of prolonged delays in the case.
The organization said it was concerned about the broader implications for transparency and accountability, noting that court staff, litigants, and lawyers should not fear retaliation for lawful complaints or for disclosing records obtained through proper procedures.
