National Judicial Council has forwarded the names of 12 High Court judges to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal.
The recommendation was made during the council’s 111th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
According to the council, the appointments are aimed at filling vacancies created by retirements and promotions within the appellate court system ahead of legal disputes expected from the 2027 general elections.
Omotosho, Nwite Among Judges Recommended
Among the judges recommended are James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, both known for handling several high-profile political and criminal cases.
Other judges listed for elevation include Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin and Dandom Veronica.
The NJC stated that the judges successfully passed through screening and interview processes before their names were forwarded to the Presidency.
NJC Approves Other Judicial Appointments
The council also recommended Christine Clement Ende for appointment into the Benue State High Court bench.
In addition, Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were nominated as Kadis for the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The judicial body said the appointments were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system.
Two Judges Suspended Over Misconduct
The NJC also announced disciplinary actions against two judges over misconduct.
Ibrahim Shekarau and Edward Okpe were suspended for one year without salary after being found guilty of judicial misconduct.
According to the council, the judges issued improper court orders and denied fair hearing in some cases.
Imo Judges Lose Recall Bid
The council further rejected requests by eight retired Imo State judges seeking reinstatement.
The affected judges had earlier been compulsorily retired over allegations linked to falsification of age records.
The NJC maintained its earlier decision, insisting that the disciplinary measures followed due process.
NJC Reviews Petitions Against Judicial Officers
The council disclosed that hundreds of judicial officers were queried over allegations ranging from poor performance to misconduct.
However, several petitions submitted against judges were dismissed after investigations reportedly found no evidence to support the claims.
