NJC forwards 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, ahead of anticipated litigations arising from the 2027 general elections.

The recommendation was made at the NJC’s 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, the elevation is aimed at filling existing vacancies at the Court of Appeal created by retirements and recent promotions to the Supreme Court.

Among the recommended judges are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, both of whom have handled several high-profile political and criminal cases at the Federal High Court.

Others recommended include Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin, and Dandom Veronica.

The NJC also recommended Christine Clement Ende for appointment into the Benue State High Court bench, while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were nominated as Kadis of the Katsina Sharia Court of Appeal.

In the same sitting, the Council imposed disciplinary sanctions on some judicial officers.

Two judges — Ibrahim Shekarau of the Benue State High Court and Edward Okpe of the FCT High Court — were suspended for one year without pay over allegations of judicial misconduct, including granting frivolous orders and denying fair hearing.

The NJC further confirmed the compulsory retirement of eight Imo State High Court judges over alleged falsification of age records, after their appeals were dismissed. The affected judges include B. C Iheka, K. A Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T. N Nzeukwu.

According to the Council, the affected officers were found guilty of attempting to extend their years in service through falsified records.

The NJC also disclosed that 256 judicial officers were issued queries over various offences, particularly poor performance, while 73 petitions filed against judges were dismissed for lacking merit.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to judicial discipline, transparency, and strengthening the judiciary ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

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