The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 86 new justices and judges across various courts in Nigeria, including the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal. This decision was made during the NJC's 105th meeting held between May 15 and 16, following the recommendations of its Interview Committee on Appointment of Judicial Officers.
In a statement issued on May 17 by NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, the council announced the appointment of 22 justices for the Court of Appeal. Notable appointees include Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi, among others.
Additionally, the NJC recommended 12 judges for the High Court of the FCT, 13 for Lagos State High Court, seven for Imo State High Court, six for Bauchi State High Court, three for Taraba State High Court, and four for Kogi State High Court. Appointments also include two judges for Jigawa State High Court, five kadis each for Bauchi and Kogi State Sharia Courts of Appeal, one kadi for Jigawa State Court of Appeal, and judges for Imo, Taraba, and Kogi State Customary Courts of Appeal.
The NJC also issued warnings to three judges for misconduct, barring them from elevation for a specified period. Justice Inyang E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court, and Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court were among those cautioned.
The council reviewed 35 petitions against various judges, dismissing those without merit while deciding to further investigate eight cases. The NJC also acknowledged the retirement notifications of three judicial officers, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and noted the deaths of three judges from federal and state courts.
