By DAYO ADESULU
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of 12 judges, including Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, to the Nigerian Court of Appeal as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s judiciary and improve justice delivery.
The recommendation was made during the 111th meeting of the Council held on May 13, 2026, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
According to the NJC, the appointments are intended to fill vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the appellate courts while boosting the capacity of the judiciary nationwide.
Full List of Judges Recommended for Appeal Court
Among those recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal are:
Hon. Justice Yakubu Abdulhammeed Mohammed
Hon. Justice Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin
Hon. Justice Ajuwa Raphael
Hon. Justice Abua Elias Ojie
Hon. Justice Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer
Hon. Justice Shuaibu Sabiu Bala
Hon. Justice Omotosho James Kolawole
Hon. Justice Nwite Emeka
Hon. Justice Buba Dauda Njane
Hon. Justice Kado Sanusi
Hon. Justice Ademola Enikuomehin
Hon. Justice Dadom Julcit Veronica
The Council explained that the selection followed an extensive screening process involving public scrutiny, review of petitions from stakeholders, and interviews conducted by a nine-member committee in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.
NJC Approves Other Judicial Appointments
Beyond the Court of Appeal nominations, the NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court.
Similarly, Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
The Council stated that the appointments formed part of ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring professionalism, integrity, and efficiency within Nigeria’s judicial system.
New Policy for Retired Public Servants Seeking Judicial Roles
In a significant policy decision, the NJC clarified that retired public servants remain eligible for judicial appointments under the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The Council said the position aligns with judicial precedent, particularly the Court of Appeal decision in Ayoola v. Baruwa (1999), which held that no constitutional provision bars a retired legal practitioner from appointment to the bench.
Under the newly adopted policy, retired public servants seeking judicial appointments must still have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age for judges.
Additionally, such candidates must disclose any criminal convictions, provide detailed employment histories, explain reasons for leaving previous positions, reveal current employment obligations, and declare their financial status, including any record of financial embarrassment.
The NJC noted that public service retirement could arise through voluntary retirement, compulsory retirement, or advised resignation, adding that the new policy seeks to ensure continuity, institutional stability, and value for judicial training investments.
Imo Acting Chief Judge Gets Extension
The Council also extended the acting appointment of Hon. Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026.
At the same time, the NJC commended Hon. Justice Ononeze-Madu for refusing to be sworn in outside constitutional procedures, describing the action as a strong demonstration of institutional integrity and respect for the rule of law.
The Council further urged the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to speed up the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge in order to strengthen judicial independence and stability in the state.
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