The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices for the Court of Appeal in a move aimed at strengthening the judiciary and filling vacancies created by retirements and elevations.

The recommendation was made during the council’s 111th meeting held on May 13 under the chairmanship of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the recommended nominees include Yakubu Abdulhameed Mohammed, Abodunde Monisoala Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Elias Ojije, Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer, Shuaibu Sabiu Bala, Omotosho James Kolawole, Nwite Emeka, Buba Dauda Njane, Kado Sanusi, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Dadom Julcit Veronica.

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

The NJC said the consideration of Yakubu and Daura was initially stepped down following a petition challenging their eligibility on the grounds that they had previously retired from public service.

However, the council clarified that the constitution does not bar retired public servants from judicial appointments.

It also announced a new policy requiring retired public servants seeking judicial appointments to have at least 10 years remaining before the mandatory retirement age.
Under the new policy, candidates are also required to disclose criminal convictions, financial status, employment history, and existing employment obligations.

The council further extended the appointment of Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months.

On disciplinary matters, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight judges of the Imo State judiciary who challenged their compulsory retirement over alleged age falsification.
However, the council reinstated T.I. Nze of the Imo Customary Court of Appeal after reviewing fresh evidence submitted to its committee.

The NJC had earlier found that some judges altered their dates of birth in official records to unlawfully extend their years in service, while another judge was accused of making himself available to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge despite not being next in line under constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, the NJC suspended Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court and Edward Okpe of the FCT High Court for one year without pay over allegations of judicial misconduct.