Justice Tagbo Anieto Gives Conflicting Judgments on Same Matter, Stirring Legal Debate
Hon. Justice Tagbo Anieto of the Anambra State High Court, Otuocha Judicial Division, has found himself at the centre of controversy following two rulings delivered within a span of 24 hours—both touching on contractual authority and land title validity, yet arriving at seemingly contradictory conclusions. On *July 24, 2025*, in *Suit No. OT/169/2021*, Justice Anieto dismissed the plaintiff’s case, ruling in favour of the 1st Defendant. The court held that the executive committee (EXCO) which executed the agreement relied upon by the Plaintiff had been previously invalidated by a court of competent jurisdiction. Consequently, the judge ruled that the Plaintiff’s claim “hangs on nothing at all,” declaring Exhibit K2—the foundational contract—illegal and void due to lack of proper authority. However, barely a day later, in *Suit No. OT/184/2022*, the same judge ruled *in favour* of the Plaintiffs under similar circumstances. In this case, a key land document (Exhibit J) was dismiss...