The National Judicial Council, NJC, has recommended 12 High Court judges for elevation to the Court of Appeal as part of efforts to fill judicial vacancies and strengthen the nation’s judiciary.
The decision was reached during the Council’s 111th meeting held on Wednesday and chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The recommended names have since been forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for approval.
Among the judges recommended for elevation are Justices Emeka Nwite, James Kolawole Omotosho, Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Jennifer Ijohor, Shuaibu Bala, Buba Njane, Sanusi Kado, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Veronica Dadom.
The Council also recommended Christine Ende for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court, alongside two nominees for appointment as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
According to the NJC, the appointments are aimed at addressing gaps created by retirements and previous elevations within the judiciary.
In a related development, the Council extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
The NJC also commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for refusing to be sworn in outside constitutional provisions, describing the action as a demonstration of integrity and respect for due process.
Judges Retired, Suspended Over Misconduct
The Council rejected appeals filed by eight Imo State judges seeking to overturn their compulsory retirement over allegations of age falsification. The NJC disclosed that nine judges were found to have altered their birth records to unlawfully extend their years in service.
Justice T.N. Nzeukwu was equally retired for presenting himself to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge despite being fourth in the judicial hierarchy, contrary to constitutional provisions.
However, Justice T.I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal was reinstated after presenting fresh and verified evidence in his defence.
The Council further suspended two judges for one year without pay over misconduct. They are Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court, accused of granting an ex parte order without a pending case, and Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the FCT High Court for allegedly violating fair hearing principles in a matrimonial dispute.
The NJC also dismissed eight petitions for lacking merit and referred petitioner Mbadiwe Ossai to the police for alleged perjury.
In addition, four lawyers were referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for allegedly filing frivolous petitions intended to harass judicial officers.
The Council also barred serial petitioner Yusuf Isa from filing further petitions and reaffirmed that retired public servants are constitutionally eligible for judicial appointments.
