NJC has recommended 12 Judges for Court of Appeal ahead of 2027 election cases.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that 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 expected litigations arising from the 2027 general elections.
The recommendation was made during the NJC’s 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori.
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In a statement issued on Friday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, the council said the appointments are intended to fill existing vacancies at the Court of Appeal following the elevation of some justices to the Supreme Court and the retirement of others.
Among the prominent judges recommended are Federal High Court Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, both known for handling several high-profile political and criminal cases in recent years.
Others recommended for elevation include Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin, and Dandom Veronica.
According to the NJC, the judges were recommended after undergoing rigorous screening and interview processes where they were found worthy in character, competence, and judicial performance.
The council also recommended Christine Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were nominated as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Meanwhile, the NJC sanctioned two judges over judicial misconduct.
Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Benue State High Court and Justice Edward Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory were both suspended for one year without pay after being found guilty of granting frivolous court orders and denying fair hearing in cases before them.
The council also upheld the compulsory retirement of eight Imo State High Court judges earlier accused of falsifying their ages to remain in service longer.
The affected judges are B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu.
The NJC dismissed their appeals for reinstatement, maintaining that the earlier findings of misconduct against them remain valid.
Additionally, the council disclosed that 256 judicial officers were queried over various allegations, particularly poor performance in the discharge of their duties.
It also revealed that 73 petitions filed by lawyers and litigants against judicial officers were dismissed for lacking merit and sufficient evidence.
