Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta

Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta (30 March 1951 – 7 March 2021) was a Nigerian jurist who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2011 until his death in 2021. Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as a judge of the High Court and the Court of Appeal (Nigeria). He was known for participating in several landmark constitutional and election-related decisions of the Supreme Court.

Early life and education

Ngwuta was born on 30 March 1951 in Amofia-Ukawu, Onicha, present-day Ebonyi State. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Obafemi Awolowo University before attending the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

Judicial career

Ngwuta began his legal career as a State Counsel in the Benue State Ministry of Justice in 1978. He later entered private legal practice before his appointment as a Judge of the Abia State High Court in 1995.

He subsequently served on the Abia State High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan in May 2011.

During his tenure, he participated in numerous constitutional, electoral and commercial appeals and sat on several landmark governorship election petitions.

Corruption allegations

On 8 October 2016, operatives of the Department of State Services arrested Ngwuta during nationwide raids on judges over allegations of corruption and unlawful possession of foreign currency.

In 2018, the Code of Conduct Tribunal struck out the charges after ruling that disciplinary proceedings involving serving judicial officers must first be handled by the National Judicial Council.

He resumed sitting at the Supreme Court in September 2019 following the conclusion of the proceedings.

Death

Ngwuta died on 7 March 2021 at the age of 69 while serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Professional memberships

Nigerian Bar Association International Bar Association Nigerian Body of Benchers