Justice Chima Centus Nweze Biography: Cause of Death, Net Worth, Controversial Judgments
Newsone reports that one of the esteemed justices of Nigeria’s Supreme Court, Justice Chima Centus Nweze is dead. Justice Chima passed away on Sunday, July 30, at the age of 64.
This online news platform understands that the news of the death of Justice Chima Centus Nweze was officially confirmed by the Supreme Court on Monday.
Further affirming Nweze’s death, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in a brief communique said he has received with shock and dismay the news of the Judge’s passing.
“Hon. Justice Nweze was an astute and erudite jurist. His lordship’s numerous decisions have shaped, impacted, and developed our law and jurisprudence. He was a disciplined, hardworking, and courageous judicial officer.
“The NBA President condoles with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kayode Ariwoola, GCON, the entire Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and People of Enugu State, friends and family of Hon. Justice Nweze over the demise of his lordship and prays that the Almighty God comforts his lordship’s family and friends,” the statement partly read.
Wiki Profile Summary.
| Full Name | Justice Chima Centus Nweze |
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Amesi, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| Education | |
| University | University of Nigeria, Nsukka |
| Degree | Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) |
| Graduation Year | 1984 |
| Law School | Nigerian Law School |
| Call to Bar | 1985 |
| Master’s Degree | University of Lagos |
| Degree | Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
| Year | 1991 |
| Death | Died July 30, 2023 |
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Early Childhood and Education
Born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, southeast Nigeria, Newsone Nigeria reports that Justice Nweze’s contribution to the judiciary was exceptional. His appointment to the supreme court in 2014 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, following the National Judicial Council’s recommendation, marked a significant chapter in his distinguished legal career.
Justice Nweze’s educational journey began in Nigeria with primary and secondary schooling. He pursued higher education and received a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984. His academic achievements led him to the Nigerian Law School, where he was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. In 1991, he completed his legal education by earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Lagos.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Academics and Legal Career
After being admitted to the Nigerian Bar, Justice Nweze pursued a dual career in legal practise and academia. He lectured at Abia State University, passing on legal knowledge to aspiring lawyers and leaving a lasting impression on future generations of legal professionals. He also gained valuable practical experience as a Legal Officer at the Imo State Judiciary, which helped him better understand the complexities of the Nigerian legal system.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze’s Nomination to the Court of Appeal
Justice Nweze’s exceptional legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice were not overlooked. He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2003, a prestigious position that recognised his legal expertise and integrity. During his time on the Court of Appeal, he delivered several landmark decisions that contributed significantly to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Appointment to the Supreme Court
Justice Nweze’s illustrious career reached a pinnacle on June 22, 2011, when he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. As a member of the country’s highest court, his decisions carried enormous weight and had far-reaching implications for the legal framework. He earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the legal community for his meticulousness, impartiality, and adherence to the principles of justice.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Legacy and Notable Contributions
During his tenure as a Supreme Court Justice, Justice Nweze delivered decisions that shaped legal precedents and influenced the course of Nigerian jurisprudence. His dedication to upholding justice and human rights was evident in his decisions, which frequently sought to protect citizens’ rights and liberties. His legacy as a legal trailblazer in Nigeria will inspire future generations of legal professionals to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Controversial judgments:
Justice Chima Centus Nweze was one of the Supreme Court justices who led the panel of judges that returned Ahmed Lawan, a former senate president back to the Nigerian Senate after he contested in presidential primaries).
Justice Nweze was also the only judge who stood his ground against a majority decision of the apex court which had declared Hope Uzodinma the winner of the Imo state governorship election in 2019.
In a dissenting judgment, Nweze held that Mr. Uzodinma misled the court by crediting unverified votes in 388 polling units to himself.
“This decision of the Supreme Court will continue to hunt our electoral jurisprudence for a long time to come.
“This court has a duty of redeeming its image, it is against this background that the finality of the court cannot extinguish the right of any person.
“I am of the view that this application should succeed. I hereby make an order repealing the decision of this court made on January 14 and that the certificate of return issued to the appellant(Uzodinma) returned to INEC.
“I also make an order restoring the respondents (Ihedioha) as the winner of the March 9, 2019 governorship election,” Mr Nweze had said in his minority verdict.
His verdict, however, could not overturn the majority decision of his brother judges comprising of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Mohammed, current CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, Sylvester Ngwuta, and Kudirat Kekere-E.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Cause of death
He is said to have died after a brief illness in Abuja on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze, wife, and children
Details about his wife and children are currently not in the public domain as of the time of writing this Biographical article.
10 key points about Justice Chima Centus Nweze:
1. Born on September 30, 1959, in Amesi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2. Obtained LL.B. degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984.
3. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
4. Earned an LL.M. degree from the University of Lagos in 1991.
5. Served as a lecturer at Abia State University.
6. Practiced law as a partner at Messrs. Nweze and Co., Aba, Abia State.
7. Appointed as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 2003.
8. Elevated to the Supreme Court on June 22, 2011.
9. Known for impartiality, meticulousness, and commitment to justice. The only Judge who ruled against Hope Uzodinma, popularly known as Supreme Court Governor.
10. Set to retire from the Supreme Court in 2024, but died on July 30, 2023.
Justice Chima Centus Nweze Net worth
The Supreme Court Judge, who died on July 30, is said to be worth over 10 million dollars. Newsone Nigeria cannot independently verify these figures.
