The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 28 new judicial officers, including a Grand Kadi for Plateau State and 27 other candidates. This decision was made during the NJC's 112th meeting, held on November 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun. The recommendations include appointments to various high courts and sharia courts across Nigeria.
According to the NJC's Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, 24 of the recommended candidates come from the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa, and Ogun States. The recommendations also include one candidate for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal and another as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal. Two others were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The recommended candidates for appointment as judges of the Kano State High Court include Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature, and Musa Ibrahim Umar. Other notable recommendations include Amaga Dickson Edmund for the Ebonyi State High Court and Osawaru, Benson Osagie, Omoruyi, Taiye Osayanmon, Adamaigbo, Dorothy Ibhade Usiobaifo, Festus Osagie, Oiwoh, Pius Idemudia, Amune, Majebi Samuel, and Imuekemhe, Emike Jessica for the Edo State High Court.
The Adamawa State High Court has several recommended candidates, including Sa’ad, Aminu; Musa, Ibrahim Ulenda; Giwa, Sadiq; Mijinyawa, Musa Bala; Ibrahim, Japhet; Bakari, Aliyu; and Ahmadu, Yakubu. For the Ogun State High Court, the recommendations include Oke, Olakulehin Luqman Abiola; Obienu, Adebimpe Folusho; Daudu, Fatimat Adeola; Kadiri, Rafiat Bolanle; and Osho, Oludotun Olaniyi.
In addition to the recommendations, the NJC has directed the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the most senior Judge of the State High Court, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua, in the list of candidates for appointment as substantive Chief Judge of the State. This decision follows a petition dated June 11, 2026, by Mr. Bob Kay Njemanze, who challenged the exclusion of Justice Agugua from the shortlist submitted by the Imo State Judicial Service Commission.
The NJC also took disciplinary action against three judges, recommending a one-year suspension without pay for various infractions. This decision was made during the same meeting where the 28 new judicial officers were recommended. The NJC's actions aim to ensure the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria's judicial system.
All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in by their respective State Governors without delay. The NJC's recommendations and directives reflect its role in advising on suitable candidates for judicial appointments and taking disciplinary actions against errant judges. The council's decisions are aimed at enhancing the country's judicial system.
Key points
- The National Judicial Council recommends 28 new judicial officers for appointment across various courts in Nigeria.
- The NJC directs the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the Acting Chief Judge in the list of candidates for appointment as substantive Chief Judge.
- Three judges face a one-year suspension without pay for various infractions, as recommended by the NJC.
