NJC Recommends 12 New Justices for the Court of Appeals

Steve Aya

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, appoint twelve new Justices to the Court of Appeal following deliberations at its 111th meeting on 13 May 2026.

The meeting was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, GCON, according to a statement issued by the Council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola‑Ogedengbe. The NJC said the appointments were intended to fill vacancies created by the elevation and retirement of judicial officers across the country.

Those recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal are Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu, Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, James Kolawole Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Ademola Enikuomehin and Julcit Veronica Dadom.

The NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court, and Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura for nomination as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.

In a significant policy decision, the NJC clarified that retired public servants remain eligible for judicial appointments, noting that the 1999 Constitution does not prohibit their appointment to the Bench. The Council cited the Court of Appeal judgment in the Ayoola v Baruwa case to support this position. Under the new policy framework, retired public servants seeking judicial appointments must have at least ten years remaining before the mandatory retirement age. Applicants are also required to disclose criminal records, employment history, financial status and other obligations.

The NJC further extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State by three months, from 26 March to 26 June 2026, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge. It also commended Justice Ononeze‑Madu for declining to be sworn into office outside constitutional procedures.

On disciplinary matters, the NJC rejected appeals filed by eight Imo State Judges who challenged their compulsory retirement over alleged age falsification. It also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court and Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the FCT High Court for one year without pay, following separate acts of judicial misconduct involving breaches of due process and fair hearing principles.