The National Judicial Council (NJC) has submitted the names of twelve High Court judges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as justices of the Court of Appeal. The recommendation was made at the council’s 111th meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori, and announced on Friday by Deputy Director of Information Mrs Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe.
The proposed appointments are intended to fill vacancies on the appellate bench created by recent elevations to the Supreme Court and by the retirement of senior justices. Among the candidates highlighted for the Court of Appeal are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, both noted for handling high‑profile political and criminal cases at the Federal High Court. The remaining nominees—Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin and Dandom Veronica—were selected after a series of interviews and were described as judges of “repute in character and performance.”
The NJC also recommended the appointment of Christine Clement Ende to the Benue High Court and the designation of Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura as Kadi of the Katsina Sharia Court of Appeal.
In contrast, the council disclosed disciplinary action against two High Court judges. Ibrahim Shekarau of Benue State and Edward Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory were each suspended for one year without pay after being found guilty of issuing frivolous orders and denying fair hearings.
The NJC further confirmed that eight High Court judges in Imo State—B. C. Iheka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe and T. N. Nzeukwu—were compulsorily retired following investigations that revealed falsified age records intended to extend their tenure. Their appeals for reinstatement were rejected.
Overall, the council reported that 256 judicial officers were queried for various offences, primarily poor performance, while 73 petitions lodged by lawyers and litigants against other judges were dismissed as baseless.
The latest wave of appointments and disciplinary measures underscores the NJC’s ongoing effort to strengthen the judiciary ahead of upcoming electoral cycles and to reinforce public confidence in the rule of law. Further updates are expected as the president’s office processes the council’s recommendations.
