Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme is a prominent Nigerian jurist currently serving on the bench of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. She was officially sworn in on November 23, 2021, by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, alongside 20 other newly appointed judges, as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s judiciary.

Born on May 10, 1984, Justice Nwosu-Iheme hails from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, located in Nigeria’s South-South region. She comes from a highly distinguished legal and political lineage. Her father, Dr. Peter Odili, is a former Governor of Rivers State (1999–2007), while her mother, Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Odili, is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and one of the most respected female jurists in the country’s history.

Her career reflects a strong commitment to justice, shaped by her family background and years of legal experience in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Early Life and Family Background

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme hails from a prominent legal family. She is the daughter of Dr. Peter Odili, former Governor of Rivers State, and Hon. Justice Mary Odili, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Her marriage to Uzoma Nwosu-Iheme further connects her to the judiciary, as he is the son of Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme of the Court of Appeal .

Judicial Career and Notable Cases

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme is a distinguished Nigerian jurist serving on the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Her judicial career is marked by a steadfast commitment to justice and notable rulings that have garnered national attention.

Judicial Career

Justice Nwosu-Iheme commenced her legal career as a Magistrate at the Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court in Abuja. Her dedication and legal acumen led to her elevation to the High Court bench. On November 23, 2021, she was sworn in as a Judge of the FCT High Court by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, alongside 20 other appointees. Her appointment was part of a broader initiative to strengthen the judiciary with qualified and competent judges.

Notable Cases

The State vs. Peter Nwachukwu (2025)

 In April 2025, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, presided over the landmark case of The State vs. Peter Nwachukwu, which drew nationwide attention due to its implications on domestic violence jurisprudence in Nigeria.

Background and Charges

Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, faced a 23-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide punishable by death, spousal battery, emotional and psychological abuse, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation. These charges stemmed from allegations that prolonged domestic abuse led to Osinachi’s death on April 8, 2022 .

Trial Proceedings

The prosecution presented a compelling case, calling 17 witnesses, among them two of the couple’s children, who provided firsthand accounts of the abuse. Additionally, 25 documentary exhibits were tendered to support the prosecution’s claims. The defense, led by Reginald Nwali, called four witnesses, including Nwachukwu himself, and submitted four exhibits in an attempt to refute the allegations.

Verdict and Sentencing

After a thorough examination of the evidence, Justice Nwosu-Iheme found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide and other related charges. She sentenced him to death by hanging for the homicide charge. For the additional counts, the court imposed varying sentences: two years imprisonment each for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months for count 10; and three years for count 11. Furthermore, fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 were levied for counts 6 and 7, respectively .

Public and Legal Impact

The verdict was lauded by gender rights advocates and the public alike, who viewed it as a significant step in addressing domestic violence in Nigeria. Justice Nwosu-Iheme’s judgment underscored the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights and safety of individuals within domestic settings .

Conclusion

The case of The State vs. Peter Nwachukwu stands as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s legal history, highlighting the judiciary’s role in combating domestic abuse and setting a precedent for future cases involving spousal violence.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor vs. Emeka Ugwuonye (2023)

In July 2023, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court delivered a landmark ruling in the defamation case of Ifeanyi Ejiofor vs. Emeka Ugwuonye. Ejiofor, the legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), filed a lawsuit against human rights activist and Due Process Advocates founder, Emeka Ugwuonye, over a series of defamatory online publications.

The defamatory content, disseminated between February 5 and 12, 2022, alleged that Ejiofor was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud and forgery. Ejiofor contended that these claims were baseless and damaging to his professional reputation.

After a thorough examination of the evidence, Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled in favor of Ejiofor, stating that the publications were false and constituted an unjustifiable attack on his character. The court awarded Ejiofor ₦5 million in general and exemplary damages, along with ₦500,000 to cover legal costs.

Additionally, the court mandated that Ugwuonye:

• Publish a full retraction and unqualified apology in at least three national newspapers, including Punch, Daily Times, and Premium Times.
• Provide a written undertaking not to publish any similar or further defamatory content about Ejiofor.
• Refrain from making any future defamatory statements concerning Ejiofor, enforced by a perpetual injunction.

This judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals against defamation and reinforces the importance of responsible communication, especially in the digital age.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme’s rulings reflect her unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and delivering justice without fear or favor. Her contributions continue to shape the Nigerian legal landscape, particularly in advocating for the rights of the vulnerable and maintaining judicial integrity.

Commitment to Justice

Justice Nwosu-Iheme is known for her dedication to upholding the rule of law and delivering impartial judgments. Her legal acumen and commitment to justice continue to contribute to the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.

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