The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended two judicial officers for one year without pay over misconduct and issued queries to 256 judges over performance concerns as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and improve standards within Nigeria’s judiciary.

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The decisions were reached at the council’s 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. In addition to the disciplinary measures, the NJC approved the appointment of 12 Justices of the Court of Appeal to fill vacancies created by retirements and promotions. It also recommended one candidate for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court and two others as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal to enhance the administration of justice.

The council further extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State by another three months to allow the completion of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge. It also approved the reinstatement of Justice T. N. Nze of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal after reviewing fresh evidence presented in his case. However, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight judges of the Imo State Judiciary who were compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification, ruling that they failed to present sufficient new evidence to overturn the earlier decision.

The NJC also recognised excellence within the judiciary by commending nine judges for outstanding performance. Two judges will receive official commendation for delivering more than 21 considered judgments during the review period, while seven others will receive letters of appreciation. The council equally approved the retirement of three judicial officers, including two Court of Appeal Justices and a judge of the Zamfara State High Court, and paid tribute to three judicial officers who died between December 2025 and April 2026, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s justice system.