The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court and 11 other judicial officers to the Nigerian Court of Appeal as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s judiciary.
The recommendation was made during the Council’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
According to the Council, the appointments are aimed at filling vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the judiciary, while enhancing effective justice delivery across the country.
Those recommended for elevation include Justices Yakubu Abdulhammeed Mohammed, Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Elias Ojie, Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer, Shuaibu Sabiu Bala, Omotosho James Kolawole, Nwite Emeka, Buba Dauda Njane, Kado Sanusi, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Dadom Julcit Veronica.
The NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were nominated as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council disclosed that all appointments emerged from a rigorous selection process involving public scrutiny, stakeholder feedback, and interviews conducted in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.
The Council further adopted a new policy clarifying the eligibility of retired public servants for judicial appointments, noting that the 1999 Constitution does not prohibit retired officers from being appointed to the bench.
Citing the Court of Appeal decision in Ayoola v. Baruwa (1999), the NJC stated that retired public servants seeking judicial appointments must have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age for judges.
The Council added that such applicants must disclose criminal records, previous employment history, financial status, and any existing employment obligations.
Meanwhile, the NJC extended the acting appointment of Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
The Council also commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in contrary to constitutional provisions, describing the action as a demonstration of integrity and respect for the rule of law.
It urged the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to expedite the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge to ensure stability and judicial independence in the state.
