The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 12 High Court judges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal ahead of litigations expected from the 2027 general elections.
The recommendation was made during the NJC’s 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori.
In a statement issued on Friday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, the Council said the appointments are intended to fill vacancies created by the elevation of some Appeal Court justices to the Supreme Court and the retirement of others who have reached retirement age.
Among the prominent judges recommended for elevation are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, both of whom recently handled several high-profile political and criminal cases.
Other judges recommended are Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin and Dandom Veronica.
According to the NJC, the judges successfully underwent rigorous screening and were found worthy based on character, diligence and judicial performance.
The Council also recommended Christine Clement Ende for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were nominated as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Meanwhile, the NJC sanctioned two judges over judicial misconduct.
Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Benue State High Court and Justice Edward Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory were suspended for one year without pay.
The Council found them guilty of granting frivolous orders and denying fair hearing in cases before them.
In another decision, the NJC rejected appeals by eight retired judges of the Imo State High Court seeking reinstatement to the bench.
The affected judges — B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe and T.N. Nzeukwu — had earlier been compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification aimed at extending their years in service.
The NJC further disclosed that 256 judicial officers were queried for various infractions, particularly poor performance in the discharge of their duties.
It also dismissed 73 petitions filed by lawyers and litigants against judicial officers, describing the allegations as baseless and lacking merit.
