NJC recommends appointment of 12 new appeal court justices, suspends two judges over misconduct
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new justices for the court of appeal.
In a statement released on Thursday after its 111th meeting held on May 13, the council said the recommendations were approved under the leadership of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
According to the NJC, the appointments are aimed at filling vacancies caused by the elevation and retirement of judicial officers, while also strengthening the judiciary for “effective justice delivery”.
The recommended justices are Yakubu Abdulhameed Mohammed, Abodunde Monisola 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, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as kadis of the Katsina state sharia court of appeal.
The NJC noted that the consideration of Yakubu and Daura had previously been suspended following a petition questioning their eligibility because of their retirement from public service.
However, the council clarified that the constitution does not prohibit retired public servants from being appointed into judicial positions.
The NJC said it has now adopted a policy requiring retired public servants seeking judicial appointments to have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age.
The new policy also mandates candidates to disclose criminal records, employment history, financial status, and any 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 issues, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight judges in the Imo state judiciary who challenged their compulsory retirement over age falsification.
However, the council reinstated T.I. Nze of the Imo customary court of appeal after considering fresh evidence presented before its committee.
The judges were previously accused of altering their dates of birth in official records to unlawfully extend their stay in service, while Nzeukwu was accused of presenting himself to be sworn in as acting chief judge despite being fourth in the judicial hierarchy, contrary to Section 271 (4) of the constitution.
The NJC also suspended Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa state high court and Edward Okpe of the FCT high court for one year without pay over judicial misconduct.