The National Judicial Council (NJC), at its 111th Meeting held on Tuesday, 13 May 2026, under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has recommended twelve (12) new Justices for appointment to the Court of Appeal.
The Council also recommended one candidate for appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Benue State and two candidates as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State. These recommendations are aimed at filling existing vacancies created by elevations and retirements, thereby strengthening the capacity of the courts for timely and effective justice delivery across the country.
List of Recommended Court of Appeal Justices:
Justice Yakubu, Abdulhammeed Mohammed
Justice Abodunde, Monisola Oluwatoyin
Justice Ajuwa, Raphael
Justice Abua, Elias Ojie
Justice Ijohor, Mbalamen Jennifer
Justice Shuaibu, Sabiu Bala
Justice Omotosho, James Kolawole
Justice Nwite, Emeka
Justice Buba, Dauda Njane
Justice Kado, Sanusi
Justice Ademola, Enikuomehin
Justice Dadom, Julcit Veronica
Other Recommendations:
Christine T. Clement Ende – High Court of Benue State
Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu – Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State
Bala Salisu Daura – Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State
The Council noted that the candidatures of Messrs. Yakubu and Daura, which had earlier been stepped down in January 2026 due to a petition questioning their eligibility as retired public servants, were approved after thorough review.
New Policy on Eligibility of Retired Public Servants:
In a landmark decision, the NJC adopted a clear policy on the appointment of retired public servants as judicial officers. The policy stipulates that such candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of remaining service before attaining the mandatory judicial retirement age. Candidates are also required to fully disclose any criminal convictions, complete employment history and reasons for leaving previous positions, existing employment obligations, and their financial status (including any circumstances of financial embarrassment).
The Council affirmed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not bar retired public servants from judicial appointment and relied on the judicial precedent in Ayoola v. Baruwa (1999). The new policy seeks to ensure institutional investment in training, continuity, stability, and long-term efficiency in the Judiciary.
Imo State Judiciary Matters:
The Council extended the acting appointment of Hon. Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for an additional three (3) months, with effect from 26 March 2026 to 26 June 2026, to allow for the completion of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge.
The NJC commended Hon. Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge contrary to constitutional procedure, describing it as a commendable display of institutional integrity and respect for the rule of law. It urged the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to expedite the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
On disciplinary matters in Imo State, the Council rejected the appeal petitions of eight (8) compulsorily retired judges who had falsified their ages. However, it reinstated Hon. Justice T. I. Nze of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal after he presented fresh and authentic evidence that warranted a review of his case.
Disciplinary Actions:
After considering 13 investigation reports and 98 petitions from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, the NJC:
Suspended Hon. Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay for judicial misconduct involving the improper grant of an ex-parte order.
Suspended Hon. Justice Edward A. E. Okpe of the FCT High Court for one year without pay for breach of fair hearing rules in a matrimonial case.
Dismissed 73 petitions for lack of merit, want of diligent prosecution, or being time-barred.
Cautioned four judges, issued a final warning to one judge, and recommended 11 petitions for further investigation.
Referred several petitioners, including lawyers, to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and one individual to the Inspector-General of Police for perjury. A serial petitioner, Yusuf Isa, was barred from filing further petitions with the Council.
Performance Evaluation:
The Council commended nine (9) judges for exemplary performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years. Two judges will receive letters of commendation for delivering over 21 well-considered judgments, while seven others will receive appreciation letters. Meanwhile, 256 judicial officers received query letters for various performance-related issues.
Retirements:
The NJC approved the retirement of the following judicial officers:
Hon. Justice Hamma Akawu Barka – Court of Appeal, Abuja Division (retired 17 April 2026)
Hon. Justice Amina Audi Wambai – Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division (retiring 6 July 2026)
Hon. Justice Bello Mohammed Shinkafi – High Court of Zamfara State (voluntary retirement on 31 July 2026)
The Council expressed profound appreciation for their dedicated and meritorious service to the Judiciary and the nation.
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