The National Judicial Council has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following its 111th meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The council disclosed the development in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe. According to the statement, the appointments are intended to fill vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the judiciary.

The judges recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal are Justices Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu, Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, James Kolawole Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Julcit Veronica Dadom.

In addition, the council 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 Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.

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The NJC also approved a new policy clarifying that retired public servants remain eligible for judicial appointments under the 1999 Constitution.

According to the council, there is no constitutional restriction preventing retired legal practitioners or former public officers from being appointed to the Bench. The council cited the legal precedent established in Ayoola v. Baruwa, where the Court of Appeal affirmed that retirement from public service does not disqualify an individual from judicial office.

Under the new guidelines, retired public servants seeking judicial appointments must have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age for judges. Applicants are also required to disclose their employment history, criminal records, financial obligations, and reasons for exiting previous employment.

The council further extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026, to enable the state conclude the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge.

The NJC also praised Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn into office in a manner deemed inconsistent with constitutional procedures.

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On disciplinary matters, the council suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without salary over misconduct linked to the issuance of an ex parte order.

According to the NJC, Justice Shekarau violated due process and breached the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Similarly, Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was also suspended for one year without pay over alleged denial of fair hearing in a matrimonial dispute.

The council rejected appeals filed by eight Imo State judges who sought reversal of their compulsory retirement over alleged age falsification. Those affected include Justices B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu.

However, the NJC reinstated Justice T.I. Nze after fresh evidence submitted before the review committee was confirmed authentic.

The council reviewed 98 petitions through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, dismissing 68 for lacking merit. Four judges received cautions, one was issued a final warning, while 11 petitions were recommended for further investigation.

In addition, the NJC referred some lawyers and petitioners to relevant disciplinary authorities over what it described as frivolous and unsupported petitions against judicial officers.

The council also commended nine judges for exceptional performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years. Two judges are expected to receive letters of commendation for delivering more than 21 considered judgments within the review period, while seven others will receive appreciation letters.

The meeting concluded with the council approving retirement notices for some judicial officers and expressing condolences over the deaths of three judges recorded between December 2025 and April 2026.