Tinubu to receive recommendations as Council tightens judicial discipline, suspends judges, and rejects reinstatement appeals over age falsification

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of 12 High Court judges to the Court of Appeal, in a strategic move to reinforce the appellate bench ahead of the surge in election-related cases expected during the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached at the Council’s 111th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori, and disclosed in a statement on Friday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe.

According to the Council, the appointments are aimed at filling existing and anticipated vacancies created by recent elevations to the Supreme Court and impending retirements within the appellate court.

Among those recommended are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, both noted for handling high-profile political and criminal cases at the Federal High Court. Others on the list include Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin, and Dandom Veronica.

The NJC emphasized that all nominees underwent a rigorous screening process and were found fit in terms of integrity, competence, and judicial performance.

In related appointments, Christine Clement Ende was recommended for a position at the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were nominated as Kadis for the Katsina Sharia Court of Appeal.

The Council also took disciplinary measures against erring judicial officers. Justices Ibrahim Shekarau of the Benue State High Court and Edward Okpe of the FCT High Court were each suspended for one year without pay over misconduct, including issuing frivolous ex parte orders and denying fair hearing.

In a separate ruling, the NJC upheld the compulsory retirement of eight Imo State High Court judges over age falsification, dismissing their appeals for reinstatement. Those affected include B. C. Iheka, K. A. Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T. N. Nzeukwu.

The Council stated that the judges were found to have falsified their ages in an attempt to unlawfully extend their tenure.

Additionally, the NJC revealed it issued queries to 256 judicial officers over various infractions, particularly poor performance, while dismissing 73 petitions against judges for lacking merit.

The sweeping decisions underscore the Council’s dual focus on strengthening the judiciary and enforcing accountability within its ranks ahead of a politically significant election cycle.