The Ebonyi House of Assembly has amended the state High Court Law to increase the number of judges from 25 to 50 and extend their retirement age from 65 to 70.
The Speaker of the House, Moses Odunwa, announced the amendment during Tuesday’s plenary in Abakaliki, saying it took effect from Oct. 5, 2026, after its adoption by the Committee of the Whole.
Odunwa said the amendment, proposed by Gov. Francis Nwifuru, would facilitate the speedy dispensation of justice.
“The state governor’s proposal for increase in the number of judges and their years of service is apt.
“This will facilitate speedy dispensation of justice,” he said.
The Chief Whip, Nkemka Okoro-Onuma, said the amendment would reduce the workload on High Court judges, while Mr Alloysius Nwodo (APC-Ebonyi North-West) said it would improve judicial service delivery and create employment opportunities in the justice sector.
The House also approved the engagement of financial consultants to identify, reconcile, recover and secure refunds of funds due to the state.
Odunwa said the consultants would assess infrastructure fund allocations from the Federal Government and assist in recovering outstanding revenue refunds, grants and statutory revenues from federal ministries, departments and agencies.
He said MSCA World Projects Limited would serve as the lead consultant, adding that the recovery would include funds spent on equipping the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, and other infrastructure projects.
The House also screened and confirmed four nominees forwarded by Nwifuru for the Ebonyi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The nominees comprised three returning members and one new member.
