The Imo State Judicial Service Commission has finally reacted to the swirling controversy surrounding the ongoing investigation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over alleged age falsification involving 18 judges within the state judiciary.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the Director of Information, Frank Okafor, the Commission dismissed the allegations as false, attributing the saga to the machinations of entrenched cabals bent on holding the state’s judicial system and its governance structure hostage.

Okafor clarified that the Commission was not issuing the statement to engage in a war of words with critics, but rather to provide clarity on what he described as deliberate misinformation. He alleged that a desperate group, which has over the years hijacked both the Owerri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Imo Judiciary, is behind the latest campaign of calumny.

“For the past 23 years,” Okafor said, “this cabal has ensured that anyone who refuses to bow to their shrine is denied rightful elevation within the judiciary. This ongoing propaganda is just another phase of their plot to destabilize the judiciary.”

He further invoked divine justice, warning that those who intentionally mislead the public for selfish interests will eventually face judgment.

The Imo Judicial Service Commission reiterated its commitment to due process and transparency while urging the public to disregard what it described as “malicious falsehoods.” Full statement is herewith attached.