NJC Recommends 12 New Court of Appeal Justices, Suspends Two Judges

The National Judicial Council has recommended 12 new justices for the Court of Appeal and suspended two sitting judges, following its latest plenary meeting in Abuja.

The new Court of Appeal justices

The 12 recommended include Yakubu Abdulhameed Mohammed, Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Elias Ojije, Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer, Shuaibu Sabiu Bala, Omotosho James Kolawole, Emeka Nwite, Buba Dauda Njane, Kado Sanusi, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Dadom Julcit Veronica.

The recommendations came out of the NJC’s 111th plenary, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The council said the appointments are meant to fill vacancies created by elevations and retirements, and to strengthen the judiciary’s capacity for justice delivery.

Two judges suspended, 256 queried

On the disciplinary side, two judges were suspended without pay over misconduct allegations, and 256 judicial officers were queried for various infractions. The council also rejected appeals from eight Imo State judiciary judges who had challenged their compulsory retirement.

In a related move, the appointment of Ijeoma Agugua as acting Chief Judge of Imo State was extended by another three months.

New policy on retired public servants

The NJC also adopted new guidelines on whether retired public servants can seek judicial appointments. The council’s position: the Constitution does not bar them, but stricter vetting now applies.

Under the new rules, candidates must have at least 10 years left before mandatory retirement age, and must disclose criminal convictions, employment history, financial status, and existing employment obligations.

Two candidates — Yakubu and Daura — had earlier been stepped down after petitions questioned their eligibility due to prior retirement from public service. After reviewing the matter under the new guidelines, the council cleared them and approved their appointment as kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.

Sources: TheCable, TheWill, Channels TV, BarristerNG