NJC Recommends 12 New Appeal Court Justices, Sanctions Erring Judges

The National Judicial Council has approved the recommendation of 12 new justices for the Court of Appeal as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary and improve justice delivery across the country.

The decision was reached during the council’s 111th meeting held on May 13 under the leadership of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

The recommended nominees include Yakubu Abdulhameed Mohammed, Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Elias Ojije, Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer, Shuaibu Sabiu Bala, Omotosho James Kolawole, Nwite Emeka, Buba Dauda Njane, Kado Sanusi, Ademola Enikuomehin and Dadom Julcit Veronica.

The council said the appointments are aimed at filling vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the appellate court system.

The NJC also endorsed the appointment of Christine Clement Ende as a judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as kadis for the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.

According to the council, the nominations of Yakubu and Daura were initially suspended following petitions questioning their eligibility due to previous retirement from public service. However, the NJC clarified that the constitution does not prohibit retired public servants from taking up judicial appointments.

The council further introduced a new policy mandating that retired public servants seeking judicial positions must have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the compulsory retirement age.

Under the updated guidelines, judicial applicants are also expected to disclose details relating to criminal records, previous employment, financial standing and any existing contractual obligations.

Meanwhile, the NJC extended the tenure of Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State by an additional three months.

On disciplinary matters, the council dismissed appeals filed by eight judges from the Imo State judiciary who were compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification.

However, the council reinstated T.I. Nze of the Imo Customary Court of Appeal after reviewing new evidence presented before its investigative committee.

The NJC also handed one-year suspensions without pay to Ibrahim Shekarau and Edward Okpe over findings of judicial misconduct.