Supreme Court Justice Chima Centus Nweze, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s judicial system, has been reported deceased at the age of 64.
The news of the death of Justice Chima Centus Nweze emerged on Sunday, casting a solemn atmosphere over the legal community. However, at the time of compiling this report, the Supreme Court has yet to officially confirm his death.
Justice Nweze gained significant attention for his dissenting judgment in 2020, wherein he declared Emeka Ihedioha of the People Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State. This decision sparked heated debates and polarized opinions among legal experts and the general public.
Another controversial moment in his judicial career came in a split decision of three-against-two, when Justice Nweze declared then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North Senatorial District during the 25 February general election. These rulings showcased the significant impact of his decisions on the political landscape.
Born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Justice Chima Centus Nweze had a long and distinguished career within the Nigerian legal system. His journey to the highest echelons of the judiciary culminated in 2014 when Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration approved his appointment to the Supreme Court, following a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC).
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Justice Nweze’s passing leaves a void in the legal community, as he was renowned for his thoughtful and rigorous approach to cases, earning him respect among his peers and legal scholars. As the nation mourns the loss of this accomplished jurist, his legacy of upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law will undoubtedly endure in the annals of Nigeria’s legal history.
