The National Judicial Council, National Judicial Council, has recommended 12 High Court judges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal ahead of the expected rise in election-related cases before the 2027 general elections.
The recommendations were made during the council’s 111th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori.
The NJC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe. According to the statement, the appointments are meant to fill existing vacancies at the Court of Appeal caused by the elevation of some justices to the Supreme Court and the retirement of others who have reached the mandatory retirement age.
Among the judges recommended for elevation are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, both of whom have recently handled several high-profile political and criminal cases at the Federal High Court.
The other judges recommended for the Court of Appeal are 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 passed through a rigorous screening and interview process before being recommended to the President. The council stated that they were found worthy in character, competence and performance on the bench.
The Court of Appeal plays a major role in Nigeria’s judicial system, especially during election periods. It is the court that hears appeals from election tribunals and lower courts in governorship, National Assembly and state assembly election disputes.
With preparations already building toward the 2027 general elections, observers say the recommendation of new appellate court justices is aimed at strengthening the judiciary ahead of possible political and electoral litigations.
Nigeria’s election seasons are often followed by numerous court cases involving disputed results, party primaries, candidate qualifications and allegations of electoral malpractice. Because of this, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court usually become very busy after general elections.
In recent years, some election outcomes in Nigeria have been decided by the courts, making the judiciary one of the most important institutions during the democratic process.
Justice Omotosho and Justice Nwite, two of the most prominent names on the list, became widely known due to their handling of politically sensitive and criminal matters.
Justice Nwite, in particular, has presided over several major corruption and political cases involving public officials and government agencies, while Justice Omotosho has also handled cases attracting national attention.
Apart from the recommendation of Appeal Court justices, the NJC also approved the appointment of new judicial officers in some states.
The council recommended Christine Clement Ende for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court.
Similarly, Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were recommended for appointment as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Under Nigeria’s judicial system, Kadis are judges who preside over Islamic law matters in states operating Sharia legal systems, especially in northern Nigeria.
While some judges received promotions and recommendations, others faced disciplinary action over alleged misconduct.
The NJC announced the suspension of two High Court judges for one year without salary after they were found guilty of judicial misconduct.
The affected judges are Ibrahim Shekarau and Edward Okpe.
According to the council, the judges were punished for granting what it described as frivolous court orders and for denying fair hearing in cases brought before them.
Fair hearing is considered one of the most important principles in Nigeria’s justice system because it guarantees that all parties in a legal matter are given equal opportunity to present their case before judgment is delivered.
The NJC has in recent years intensified efforts to discipline judges accused of misconduct, corruption or abuse of office as part of attempts to improve public confidence in the judiciary.
The council also rejected appeals by eight retired judges from Imo State who sought to return to service after being compulsorily retired.
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 judges had earlier been removed from service after the NJC found them guilty of falsifying their ages in order to remain longer in office.
Age falsification has remained a serious issue in parts of Nigeria’s public service, including the judiciary, where some officials have been accused of altering official records to delay retirement.
The NJC said the retired judges appealed against the decision and requested to be recalled into service, but the council refused to reverse its earlier ruling.
The latest actions by the NJC highlight the council’s dual responsibility of promoting qualified judicial officers while also disciplining judges found guilty of misconduct.
The council also disclosed that no fewer than 256 judicial officers were queried over different offences, especially poor performance in carrying out their duties.
Poor performance among judicial officers has been a major concern in Nigeria due to delays in delivering judgments, backlog of cases and allegations of inefficiency in some courts.
At the same time, the NJC said it dismissed 73 petitions filed against judicial officers by lawyers and litigants.
According to the council, the petitions were found to be baseless and lacking merit.
Petitions against judges have become increasingly common in Nigeria as lawyers, politicians and members of the public continue to monitor judicial conduct closely.
The NJC remains one of the most powerful institutions within Nigeria’s judicial system. It is responsible for recommending the appointment of judges, disciplining erring judicial officers and ensuring standards within the nation’s courts.
The latest recommendations and disciplinary actions are expected to generate discussion within legal and political circles, especially as the country gradually moves closer to the 2027 election season.
For many Nigerians, the decisions of the NJC are being closely watched as concerns continue over judicial independence, speedy justice and public trust in the nation’s courts.