The Supreme Court on Monday mourned one of its justices, Centus Chima Nweze, who died at 64.
A statement by the court’s Director of Press and Information, Festus Akande, said Mr Nweze died on Sunday after a brief illness.
“He had been a formidable ally of his brother Justices, an admirable pillar of support to the staff and management of the Supreme Court; and indeed, a dependable father-figure to all,” the statement said.
He was also a doctoral degree holder and was Associate Professor of Law at the Ebonyi State University.
Mr Nweze, known for his oratorical prowess and prodigious academic writings on issues of law, was also a Visiting Professor of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Born on 25th September, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Justice Nweze’s life was one of remarkable achievements. He earned his LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD in Law from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1983, 1995, and 2001, respectively. In recognition of his immense contributions to the legal field, he was also awarded an LL.D. Degree. Throughout his career, he served as an Associate Professor of Law at Ebonyi State University and as a Visiting Professor of Law at Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
His judicial journey began as a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Enugu State, where he served diligently from 1995 to 2007. He then ascended to the position of Justice of the Court of Appeal, where he continued to demonstrate exceptional legal acumen from 2008 to 2014. Finally, on 29th October, 2014, he was elevated to the esteemed Supreme Court Bench, where he rendered profound contributions to the jurisprudence of the nation until his passing.
Hon. Justice Chima Nweze was widely regarded for his exceptional legal brilliance and wisdom. His judicial pronouncements were characterized by enduring legal knowledge, experience, and fairness. He was known as a formidable ally among his brother Justices, an admirable pillar of support to the staff and management of the Supreme Court, and a dependable father-figure to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of excellence and dedication will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian legal history.
Dr. Akande Festus, the Director of Press and Information at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the esteemed Justice Nweze. “It will be an understatement to say we are all going to miss him dearly,” he remarked.
Funeral arrangements for the late Justice will be announced by the family in due course. In this time of grief, the legal fraternity and the nation extend their condolences to Justice Nweze’s family and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
