National Judicial Council has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal and adopted a new policy allowing retired public servants to be considered for judicial appointments, subject to strict conditions.
The decisions were reached at the Council’s 111th meeting held, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The Council in a statement by Deputy Director of Information Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, noted that the recommendations, forwarded to the President, are aimed at filling vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the judiciary to improve justice delivery.
Those recommended for appointment to the bench of the Court of Appeal are Justices Yakubu Mohammed, Monisola Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabi Shuaibu, James Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Enikuomehin Ademola and Julcit Dadom.
The Council also recommended Christine Ende for appointment as Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The NJC clarified that retired public servants remain eligible for judicial appointment, provided they have at least 10 years left before reaching the mandatory retirement age.
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Under the newly adopted policy, such candidates must disclose criminal convictions, employment history, reasons for retirement, current employment obligations and financial status.
The Council extended the appointment 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 council also commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in contrary to constitutional procedure.
On disciplinary matters, the Council rejected appeals by eight compulsorily retired Imo State High Court judges who sought reversal of sanctions imposed for age falsification.
However, it reinstated Justice T. I. Nze after reviewing fresh evidence presented before its review committee.
The Council suspended Justice Ibrahim Shekarau and Justice Edward Okpe for one year without pay over judicial misconduct and breach of fair hearing.
It said Justice Shekarau improperly granted an ex parte order involving the transfer of N7 million from a petitioner’s account, while Justice Okpe was found to have violated fair hearing principles in a matrimonial case.
The NJC dismissed 73 petitions against judicial officers for lacking merit, while 11 others were recommended for further investigation.
It also commended nine judges for exemplary performance and approved issuance of performance-related letters to 256 judicial officers.
The Council further approved the retirement of Justice Hamma Barka, Justice Amina Wambai and Justice Bello Shinkafi.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
