National Judicial Council puts two judges on hold, proposes promotion for a dozen others

The National Judicial Council made key recommendations on Thursday, including the appointment of 12 new justices to the Court of Appeal, in a bid to bolster the judiciary's capacity for effective justice delivery.

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During its 111th meeting, held on May 13 under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the council also decided to suspend two judges for a year without pay due to judicial misconduct.

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The council's resolutions were conveyed through a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, who explained that the new appointments aim to fill vacancies arising from the elevation and retirement of judicial officers.

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The 12 recommended justices are Yakubu Mohammed, Monisola Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Abua, Mbalamen Ijohor, Sabiu Shuaibu, James Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Buba, Sanusi Kado, Enikuomehin Ademola, and Julcit Dadom.

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In addition to these appointments, the council also recommended Christine Ende as a judge of the Benue State High Court, and Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.

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Initially, the consideration of Yakubu and Daura was stepped down due to a petition challenging their eligibility, but the council ultimately concluded that the Constitution does not prohibit retired public servants from being appointed to the judiciary.

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The council's decision was guided by a Court of Appeal ruling in Ayoola v. Baruwa (1999), which established that no constitutional provision precludes a retired legal practitioner from being appointed to the Bench.

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Under a new policy, the NJC will require retired public servants seeking judicial appointments to have at least ten years remaining in service before reaching the mandatory judicial retirement age.

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The council extended the appointment of Ijeoma Agugua as acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months to allow for the completion of the process for appointing a substantive chief judge.

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The NJC commended Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn-in contrary to established constitutional procedure, describing the action as a demonstration of institutional integrity and respect for the rule of law.

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In disciplinary matters, the NJC rejected appeals filed by eight Imo judges who were compulsorily retired over age falsification, as they failed to present fresh evidence to justify a reversal of the sanctions imposed on them.

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However, the council reinstated T. I. Nze after he presented new evidence to the review committee, leading to a reconsideration of his case.

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Justice Ibrahim Shekarau was suspended for one year without pay due to judicial misconduct involving the grant of an ex parte order, with the council finding that he acted in bad faith and demonstrated a lack of professional competence.

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Similarly, Justice Edward A. E. Okpe was suspended for one year without pay after the council found that he granted an ex parte application without affording the petitioner the opportunity to be heard.

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The NJC dismissed 73 petitions against judicial officers due to lack of merit, want of diligent prosecution, or for being time-barred, while 11 petitions were recommended for further investigation.

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The council also commended nine judges for exemplary performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years and approved the issuance of 256 letters to judicial officers over performance-related matters.