NJC sends Omotosho, Nwite, 10 other judges to Tinubu for appointment as Appeal Court Justices
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. This move comes as the country prepares for potential litigations anticipated during the 2027 general elections.
The recommendations were made during the NJC’s recently concluded 111th meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori. According to a statement released by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, the appointments would address vacancies created by others being elevated to the Supreme Court and by retirements due to age.
Among the judges nominated are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, noted for their handling of significant political and criminal cases at the Federal High Court. The remaining nominees include Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin, and Dandom Veronica.
These judges were selected following thorough interviews, demonstrating their commitment and competence in judicial matters.
Additionally, Christine Clement Ende has been recommended for a position on the Benue High Court bench, while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were proposed for roles as Kadi of the Katsina Sharia Court of Appeal.
Conversely, two judges, Ibrahim Shekarau of the Benue State High Court and Edward Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, have been suspended for one year without pay due to judicial misconduct. They were found guilty of issuing unwarranted orders and failing to provide fair hearings.
Moreover, eight judges from the Imo State High Court faced compulsory retirement after their appeals for reinstatement were denied by the NJC. The judges—B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu—were previously indicted for age falsification.
In a broader review, the NJC confirmed that 256 judicial officers received queries for various infractions, predominantly related to inadequate performance. Additionally, 73 petitions filed against other judicial officers by lawyers and litigants were dismissed for lacking merit.
