Highly concerned by the public outrage that enveloped the exhumation of Late Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa and the many questions demanding answers over what the general public perceived as a controversial Exparte order, we, the undersigned leaders of the following media organizations, write to bring to your attention this controversial matter concerning the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, and her issuance of an exhumation order on Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Amuchienwa in favour of his reportedly separated wife of over 32 years, Chinyere Igwegbe.
On 5th December, 2025, in a Matter with Suit No: HMI/144/2025 presided by Justice Agugua between Chinyere Igwegbe, Charles Nnanna Amuchienwa, Otitodilichukwu Amuchienwa and Ogechi Amuchienwa and Goddy, she granted an order to exhume Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Amuchienwa without allegedly giving audience to the defendant’s lawyer, Barr. A.C Onyeneke, or allowing her to make presentations in respect to the subject matter.
There was no room to look into the merits or argument of the accused or consideration for the rights and feelings of the legitimate wife, Barr. Mrs. Ogechi Henrietta Amuchienwa, her children, and first son of the family, Aboyomi Amuchienwa, who buried the deceased. This has raised concerns about impartiality and potential bias and further motivated the invitation to NJC to look into the actions and the controversies raised by the Exparte Order.
Despite a pending appeal against the Exparte Order duly served to all parties, it was allegedly ignored, creating room for the applicants to carry out the exhumation in a “commando manner” with hired vigilantes in the midnight of 23rd December, 2025, without adequate notice or opportunity for the family to witness it, and without the presence of health officials and other authorized government officials.
Legal pundits are of the view that the outcome of the order was a demonstration of a gross abuse of judicial power and disregard for the rule of law or judicial process of presiding over such a sensitive matter. There are signs that the decision was allegedly influenced by external factors or personal relationships, alleging that she has failed to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Considering the high level of controversy surrounding the exhumation order, the whereabouts of the Corpse after exhumation, and alleged bragging comments in the public domain that they have all it takes to keep the corpse in an unknown venue as long as they wish and nothing will happen because they have bought justice, the media, in line with its multi-faceted social responsibility of educating, sensitizing, and informing the public with accurate, unbiased, and timely information, holding those in power accountable, scrutinizing actions of government, institutions, and individuals in power, promoting transparency and accountability, and giving voice to the marginalized, is calling on NJC to investigate and report on circumstances surrounding the exhumation order.
The media is calling on NJC to:
- Hold those in power accountable for their actions
- Provide a platform for justice and fairness to the affected family and community
- Promote transparency and accountability in the judiciary
- Ensure the rights and dignity of the deceased and their family are respected
We have decided to drop this petition to the National Judicial Council to investigate the circumstances and controversies surrounding the exhumation order and take disciplinary action against any judicial officer found guilty.
This letter is necessary because the exhumation order has raised concerns about the integrity of the judiciary and great signs of judicial bias. The general public is of the view that the exhumation was beyond a family issue, it was an affront to the Catholic Church that buried the deceased, and above all, a matter of public interest.
This clarion call for cross-examination of the actions and inactions of the Acting Chief Judge in this case should be taken seriously because it highlights the outcry for fairness, judicial professionalism, greater transparency, and accountability in the judiciary.
We urge the NJC to take swift action to address the allegations of gross abuse of judicial power and ensure that justice is served.
Sincerely,
Chuks Nwokeji
Imo Guild of Newspaper Reporters
Kingsley Ibeh
Forum of Imo Newspaper Columnists
Ikechukwu Osuoha
Imo Media Observers
