Ebonyi Assembly Doubles High Court Judges, Extends Retirement Age

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly made changes to the state High Court law on Tuesday. They increased the number of judges from 25 to 50.

During a session in Abakaliki, the Speaker of the House, Moses Odunwa, stated that the new law will start on 5 October 2026. He said the law was passed during a meeting of the House’s Committee of the Whole.

Mr Odunwa explained that the number of judges will rise from 25 to 50 and their retirement age will move from 65 to 70.

“The state governor’s proposal for the increase in judges and their years of service is timely. This will help speed up the administration of justice,” he said.

He praised the House members for quickly passing the amendment bill. He also thanked God for good health after returning from a two-month break.

The Speaker thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for making the House recess useful. He said it allowed members to connect with their constituents.

Chief Whip, Nkemka Okoro-Onuma, said passing the bill will help ease the burden on the high court judges. Alloysius Nwodo from APC in Ebonyi North-West added that the new bill will improve judicial service and create jobs in the justice sector.

The House also approved hiring financial consultants to help find, reconcile, recover, and refund money owed to the state. Mr Odunwa mentioned that these consultants will check the infrastructure funds from the federal government.

“The financial experts will have MSCA World Projects Limited as the Lead Consultant. They will help recover outstanding revenue refunds, grants, and statutory revenues from federal government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” he said.

This recovery will include funds used to equip the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Uburu, among other infrastructure projects.

The House also screened and confirmed four nominees from Governor Nwifuru for the Ebonyi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. The nominees include three returning members and one new member.