The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the decision was taken at the NJC’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a statement issued late Thursday by the NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the council said the recommendations were made to fill vacancies created by the elevation and retirement of judicial officers.
Those recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal are Justices 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 council also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court.
Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State.
The council also adopted a policy clarifying the eligibility of retired public servants for judicial appointment.
It stated that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not bar retired public servants from being appointed to the Bench.
According to the NJC, the decision was guided by judicial precedent, particularly Ayoola v. Baruwa, where the Court of Appeal affirmed that no constitutional provision prevents a retired legal practitioner from judicial appointment.
Under the new policy, retired public servants seeking judicial appointment must have at least 10 years of service remaining before reaching the mandatory judicial retirement age.
They must also disclose any criminal conviction, full employment history, reasons for leaving previous employment, existing obligations and financial status.
The council extended the appointment of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026.
The NJC said the extension would allow the state to complete the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge.
It also commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in contrary to established constitutional procedure.
On disciplinary matters, the NJC rejected appeals filed by eight Imo State judges seeking reversal of their compulsory retirement over alleged age falsification.
The affected judges include Justices B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu.
However, the council reinstated Justice T.I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal after fresh evidence presented before the review committee was found to be authentic.
The NJC also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay over judicial misconduct linked to the grant of an ex parte order.
The council found that he failed to observe due process and acted in breach of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Similarly, Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was suspended for one year without pay over breach of fair hearing in a matrimonial case.
The council considered 13 investigation reports on petitions against judicial officers, dismissing eight for lack of merit, want of diligent prosecution or being time-barred.
It also reviewed 98 petitions submitted by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, dismissing 68 for lack of merit.
Four judges were cautioned, one received a final warning, and 11 petitions were recommended for further investigation.
The NJC also referred some petitioners and lawyers to relevant disciplinary bodies over alleged frivolous and unsupported petitions.
The NJC commended nine judges for exemplary performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years.
Two judges are to receive letters of commendation for delivering more than 21 considered judgments within the review period, while seven others will receive letters of appreciation.
The council also approved retirement notices for some judicial officers and expressed condolences over the deaths of three judges recorded between December 2025 and April 2026.