Full List: NJC Recommends 12 Justices For Court Of Appeal, Suspends Two Judges Over Misconduct

The decision was reached during the council’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the leadership of the National Judicial Council, chaired by the Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In a statement issued by the council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the NJC explained that the recommendations were made to fill vacancies created by the elevation and retirement of judicial officers across the country.

Those nominated for elevation to the appellate court are 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.

The council also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment to the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were nominated as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.

As part of broader reforms, the NJC adopted a new policy confirming that retired public servants are eligible for judicial appointment, provided they have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age. Applicants must also disclose their employment records, financial standing, obligations and any criminal convictions.

The council extended the tenure of Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for an additional three months to allow completion of the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge.

On disciplinary matters, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight judges from Imo State who had previously been compulsorily retired over allegations of age falsification. However, it reinstated T. I. Nze after reviewing fresh evidence deemed credible.

The council also suspended Ibrahim D. Shekarau and Edward A. E. Okpe for one year without pay over separate findings of judicial misconduct and breaches of due process and fair hearing.

In addition, the NJC reviewed 111 petitions and investigation reports involving judicial officers. While many complaints were dismissed for lacking merit, several judges were cautioned, one received a final warning and 11 cases were slated for further investigation. Some petitioners and lawyers were also referred to appropriate disciplinary bodies for filing unsupported complaints.

The council commended nine judges for outstanding performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years and approved retirement notices for several judicial officers. It also expressed condolences over the deaths of three judges recorded between December 2025 and April 2026.