NJC Recommends Omotosho, Nwite, 10 Others for Appeal Court Appointment

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 litigation arising from the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued after its 111th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, the council said the appointments were intended to fill vacancies created by retirements and elevations to the Supreme Court.

Among those recommended are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, both of whom have presided over several high-profile political and criminal cases in recent years.

Others nominated for elevation to the appellate court include Justices Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin and Dandom Veronica.

The NJC said the judges were selected after what it described as “rigorous interviews” and assessments of their integrity, diligence and performance on the bench.

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

Meanwhile, two judges — Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Benue State High Court and Justice Edward Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory — were suspended for one year without pay over judicial misconduct.

According to the NJC, the judges were found guilty of granting what it described as frivolous orders and denying parties fair hearing in cases before them.

The council also rejected appeals by eight retired judges from Imo State seeking reinstatement after they were earlier compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification.

Those affected are Justices B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe and T.N. Nzeukwu.

In addition, the NJC disclosed that 256 judicial officers were queried over alleged misconduct and poor performance, while 73 petitions against other judges were dismissed for lacking merit.

Source: Daily Post