The National Judicial Council has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices for the Court of Appeal and sanctioned two judges with one-year suspension without pay over acts of judicial misconduct, in what observers describe as another major move aimed at strengthening discipline and efficiency within Nigeria’s judiciary.
The decisions were reached during the council’s 111th meeting held on May 13 and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Information of the council, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the NJC explained that the fresh appointments were intended to fill vacancies created by the retirement and elevation of judicial officers across different courts in the country.
According to the statement, the council said the appointments were necessary “to fill vacancies arising from the elevation and retirement of Judicial Officers across various levels of the Judiciary and to strengthen the capacity of courts for effective justice delivery.”
Among those recommended for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal are:
1. Yakubu Abdulhammeed Mohammed
2. Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde
3. Raphael Ajuwa
4. Elias Ojie Abua
5. Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor
6. Sabiu Bala Shuaibu
7. James Kolawole Omotosho
8. Emeka Nwite
9. Dauda Njane Buba
10. Sanusi Kado
11. Enikuomehin Ademola
12. Julcit Veronica Dadom
The appointments, when confirmed, are expected to bolster the manpower of the appellate court, which has in recent years faced increasing pressure from a growing volume of cases, particularly election petitions, constitutional disputes and complex commercial matters.
Legal analysts say the addition of the new justices could help accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the backlog of appeals pending before the court divisions across the country.
The NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court.
In addition, Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended for appointment as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The council noted that the recommendations formed part of its constitutional responsibility to ensure that qualified judicial officers are appointed to strengthen the nation’s justice system.
Beyond the appointments, the NJC also wielded the big stick against judicial misconduct by suspending two judges for one year without pay.
Although details of the specific offences were not extensively disclosed in the statement, the disciplinary action underscores the council’s continued determination to uphold ethical standards and accountability within the judiciary.
The sanctions are coming amid sustained calls from legal practitioners, civil society groups and members of the public for greater transparency and integrity in the administration of justice.
Over the years, the National Judicial Council has repeatedly maintained that misconduct by judicial officers undermines public confidence in the courts and threatens the credibility of the justice system.
The latest action by the council is seen as part of broader efforts to cleanse the judiciary of unethical practices while ensuring that deserving officers are elevated based on merit, competence and integrity.
Observers also note that the simultaneous recommendation of new judges and punishment of erring judicial officers reflects a dual strategy by the NJC, strengthening institutional capacity while enforcing discipline.
The Court of Appeal remains one of the most critical pillars of Nigeria’s judicial architecture, serving as the intermediate appellate court between the High Courts and the Supreme Court.
With the 2027 general elections gradually approaching, the court is expected to play a significant role in resolving pre-election and post-election disputes, making the appointment of experienced judicial officers even more crucial.
Stakeholders in the legal sector have therefore welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the fresh appointments and disciplinary measures would contribute to improved efficiency, professionalism and public trust in the judiciary.
The recommendations of the NJC are expected to be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for final approval and swearing-in in line with constitutional provisions.
