NJC RECOMMENDS 12 JUSTICES FOR APPOINTMENT TO COURT OF APPEAL
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of 12 Justices to the Court of Appeal.
The recommendation was made at its 111th meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and was conveyed in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Those recommended for elevation include Justices Emeka Nwite, James Kolawole Omotosho, Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, and Ajuwa Raphael.
Others are Justices Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaibu Bala, Buba Njane, Kado Sanusi, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Dadom Veronica.
The Council also recommended Christine Ende for appointment as Judge of the High Court of Benue State, alongside two others nominated as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
According to the NJC, the recommendations are aimed at filling vacancies arising from elevation and retirement of judicial officers and strengthening justice delivery across the country.
It also approved a three-month extension for Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, effective from March 26 to June 26, 2026, to allow completion of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge.
The Council commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in outside established constitutional procedures, describing the action as a demonstration of integrity and respect for the rule of law.
On disciplinary matters, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight Imo State judges over their compulsory retirement linked to alleged age falsification, maintaining that the officers failed to provide fresh evidence to overturn earlier sanctions.
However, it reinstated Justice T. I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal after fresh evidence was found to be authentic.
The Council also considered 13 petitions against judicial officers nationwide, dismissing eight for lack of merit or procedural issues.
It imposed sanctions including a one-year suspension without pay on Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court and Justice Edward A. E. Okpe of the FCT High Court over cases of judicial misconduct and denial of fair hearing.
The NJC further referred one individual to the Inspector-General of Police for alleged perjury and directed several legal practitioners to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for filing frivolous petitions against judges.
It also barred a serial petitioner from further submitting petitions to the Council.
Reaffirming its policy on judicial appointments, the NJC stated that retired public servants may be considered for judicial office provided they meet specified requirements, including disclosure of criminal records, financial status, employment history, and other relevant conditions.
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