Supreme Court Justice, Nweze Dies, Depleting Bench to 12

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Centus Chima Nweze, one of the 13 justices on the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has been reported dead.

He was said to have died on Sunday after a brief illness.

His death no doubt has dealt a big blow to the nation, the judiciary and in particular the people of Enugu State and the South-east of Nigeria.

While the late Nweze, until his death, was the only justice from the South-east geopolitical zone on the Supreme Court bench, his demise has further depleted the bench from 13 to 12.

The implication is that as it stands presently, the apex court cannot constitute three separate panels on appeals before the court nor constitute two panels on a constitutional issue which requires seven justices.

His death therefore would fast-track the elevation of more justices to the apex court bench, as well as consideration for the South-east zone.

The late Justice Nweze was a native of Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Born on September 25, 1958, the late jurist who studied law at the University of Nigeria (UNN), Enugu campus, after his call to bar practised at the private bar between 1985 – 1995, before crossing from the bar to the bench as a judge of the High Court of Enugu State in November 1995.

He was later elevated to the appellate court 13 years after, precisely on February 15, 2008; and then to the Supreme Court of Nigeria on October 29, 2014, where he has been before his demise on Sunday.

He was a practising Christian of the Roman Catholic Church and was married to Justice Ugonne Jacinta Nweze of the Enugu State Judiciary.

Their marriage is blessed with children and a grandchild.