By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Judicial Council has recommended 12 judges for elevation to the Court of Appeal. The recommendation came during its 111th meeting chaired by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on Wednesday in Nigeria. The Council also approved new judicial appointments, extended the tenure of the acting Imo Chief Judge, and sanctioned some judges over misconduct and age falsification allegations.
NJC Recommends 12 Judges for Elevation
A statement signed by Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information of the NJC, confirmed that the Council forwarded the names to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approval.
The judges recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal include:
- Justice Emeka Nwite
- Justice James Kolawole Omotosho
- Justice Yakubu Mohammed
- Justice Abodunde Oluwatoyin
- Justice Ajuwa Raphael
- Justice Abua Ojie
- Justice Ijohor Jennifer
- Justice Shuaibu Bala
- Justice Buba Njane
- Justice Kado Sanusi
- Justice Ademola Enikuomehin
- Justice Dadom Veronica
According to the Council, the appointments will fill vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the judiciary.
NJC Approves New Judicial Appointments
The Council also recommended Christine Ende for appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Benue State.
In addition, the NJC approved two appointments as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
The Council said the appointments would strengthen justice delivery across the country.
Imo Acting Chief Judge Gets Tenure Extension
The NJC extended the appointment of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months.
The extension runs from March 26, 2026, to June 26, 2026. The Council explained that the extension would allow the completion of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge.
Furthermore, the NJC praised Justice Ononeze-Madu for refusing to be sworn in outside constitutional procedures.
The Council described the action as a strong demonstration of integrity and respect for the rule of law.
NJC Rejects Appeals by Retired Imo Judges
The NJC rejected appeals filed by eight judges from the Imo judiciary. The judges sought to overturn their compulsory retirement over age falsification.
The affected judges were among 10 judicial officers retired during the Council’s 109th meeting in June 2025.
According to the NJC, nine judges altered their birth records to extend their years in service unlawfully.
The Council also found that Justice T. N. Nzeukwu violated constitutional provisions by making himself available for swearing-in as Acting Chief Judge despite being fourth in judicial hierarchy.
However, the Council reinstated Justice T. I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal after reviewing fresh evidence considered authentic.
NJC Suspends Two Judges Over Misconduct
The Council suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau and Justice Edward A. E. Okpe for one year without pay.
The NJC found Justice Shekarau guilty of judicial misconduct after granting an ex parte order that directed the transfer of N7 million from a petitioner’s bank account.
The petitioner, Oluwafunke Obale Ozozoma, alleged that the judge approved the application the same day it was filed without a substantive suit before the court.
The Council stated that the judge failed to follow due process and acted in bad faith.
Similarly, the NJC sanctioned Justice Okpe over allegations of denial of fair hearing in a matrimonial dispute involving Sunday Emmanuel Oso.
The Council ruled that the judge entertained committal proceedings without giving the petitioner an opportunity to defend himself.
NJC Refers Lawyers, Petitioner for Investigation
The Council referred Mbadiwe Ossai to the Inspector-General of Police for investigation over alleged perjury.
It also referred the following lawyers to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for filing frivolous petitions against judges:
- Adeboye Williams Adewale
- Dr. Peter N. Ekemezie
- Dr. Martin Odika
- Muhammad Hamza Ahmad-Gana
Meanwhile, the NJC barred Yusuf Isa from submitting further petitions to the Council due to repeated frivolous complaints.
Constitution Allows Retired Public Servants to Become Judges
The NJC also reaffirmed that the Nigerian Constitution does not prevent retired public servants from receiving judicial appointments.
The Council maintained that qualified retired officers can still serve in the judiciary if they meet constitutional requirements.
