- The NJC explained that the 62 successful CBT candidates were forwarded to the FJSC in line with a new integrity policy
- According to the allegations, the CSP was said to have refused bail to a suspect until a sum of ₦1 million was paid
- She added that the Council remains committed to transparency and high ethical standards
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has revealed that 34 candidates, among them a serving Chief Superintendent of Police, did not pass the integrity screening required for appointment as judges by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the development followed a multi-stage selection process in which 62 applicants initially scaled through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, but only 28 nominees were eventually cleared after an extensive integrity and background assessment.
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The NJC explained that the 62 successful CBT candidates were forwarded to the FJSC in line with a new integrity policy introduced by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, shortly after she assumed office.
Under the policy, the FJSC publicly released the names of shortlisted nominees to allow members of the public submit petitions or feedback relating to their character, reputation, and suitability for judicial office. The publication, according to the Council, was made on September 17, 2025.
One of the petitions received during the process accused a serving CSP of unethical conduct, including alleged involvement in bribery, thereby questioning her suitability for appointment to the Federal High Court bench.
The petition, reportedly written by a legal practitioner on behalf of a client, claimed that the officer had a history of demanding gratification while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Section at Zone 7 Police Command, Abuja.
According to the allegations, the CSP was said to have refused bail to a suspect until a sum of ₦1 million was paid through an intermediary, after which the detainee was released. The petitioners further claimed that the matter was reported to the Police Service Commission, which allegedly traced the funds during an investigation.
Commending the judiciary for opening the process to public scrutiny, the petitioners urged the NJC to reject the officer’s nomination, insisting that judicial appointments must be reserved for individuals of unquestionable integrity.
Meanwhile, the NJC disclosed that after reviewing all submissions, only 28 names were forwarded to the Council, with 34 candidates failing the integrity test.
Confirming the next phase, the Council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, said the NJC is scheduled to meet on January 13 and 14, during which the shortlisted nominees will appear before an interview panel.
She added that the Council remains committed to transparency and high ethical standards, stressing that judicial credibility remains a core priority under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership.
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