- NJC Recommends 12 New Court of Appeal Justices To Tinubu
- It approved judicial appointments and disciplinary actions.
- Council also reviewed petitions and commended judges.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a major decision aimed at filling existing vacancies within the Nigerian judiciary.
The recommendation was reached at the NJC’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that this was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Information of the NJC, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, who confirmed that the appointments were necessary following retirements and elevations within the appellate court system.
Those recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal include Justices 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 Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
In addition, the NJC adopted a new policy clarifying that retired public servants are not constitutionally barred from judicial appointments, provided they meet specified conditions. These include having at least 10 years of service remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age, full disclosure of employment history, financial status, and any prior criminal record.
The council further extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026, to allow the conclusion of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge.
On disciplinary matters, the NJC upheld the compulsory retirement of eight Imo State judges over alleged age falsification, while reinstating Justice T.I. Nze after fresh evidence was found to be credible.
It also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court and Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the FCT High Court for one year without pay over judicial misconduct and breach of fair hearing procedures.
The council reviewed multiple petitions and disciplinary reports, dismissing several for lack of merit while cautioning and warning others. It also commended several judges for outstanding performance and acknowledged recent judicial losses with condolences.
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