Inside The NJC Storm: 12 Judges Cleared For Appeal Court As Two Face Suspension Drama

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The decision was reached during the council’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In a statement issued on Thursday night by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the council explained that the appointments are intended to fill vacancies created by the retirement and elevation of judicial officers.

The judges recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal are Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu, Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, James Kolawole Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Julcit Veronica Dadom.

The council also approved the recommendation of Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court.

In Katsina State, Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended for appointment as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal.

The NJC further adopted a new policy clarifying that retired public servants are not barred by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, from being appointed as judges.

According to the council, the position aligns with judicial precedents, especially the Court of Appeal ruling in Ayoola v. Baruwa, which affirmed that no constitutional provision prevents a retired legal practitioner from joining the Bench.

Under the new guideline, retired public servants seeking judicial appointments must still have a minimum of 10 years before reaching the compulsory retirement age for judges.

Applicants are also required to disclose any criminal records, full employment history, reasons for leaving previous jobs, financial obligations, and current financial status.

The NJC equally extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026, to allow the state complete the appointment process for a substantive Chief Judge.

The council also praised Justice Ononeze-Madu for refusing to be sworn in outside constitutional procedures.

On disciplinary matters, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight Imo State judges who sought to overturn their compulsory retirement over allegations of age falsification.

The affected judges are B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu.

However, Justice T.I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal was reinstated after fresh evidence submitted before the review committee was confirmed to be genuine.

The council also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay over misconduct linked to the granting of an ex parte order, stating that he violated due process and breached the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Similarly, Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was suspended for one year without pay for violating fair hearing principles in a matrimonial matter.

The NJC reviewed 13 investigation reports involving petitions against judicial officers, dismissing eight cases for lacking merit, diligent prosecution, or for being statute-barred.

It also examined 98 petitions submitted through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, with 68 dismissed for lacking merit.

Four judges received cautions, one was issued a final warning, while 11 petitions were recommended for further investigation.

The council further referred some lawyers and petitioners to relevant disciplinary bodies over allegedly frivolous and unsubstantiated petitions.

In addition, the NJC commended nine judges for outstanding performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years.

Two judges will receive letters of commendation for delivering more than 21 considered judgments within the review period, while seven others are to receive letters of appreciation.

The council also approved retirement notices for some judicial officers and expressed condolences over the deaths of three judges recorded between December 2025 and April 2026.