CJN Administers Oath To 14 New Federal High Court Judges – Judiciary Strengthens

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday administered the oath of office to 14 newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court, urging them to uphold integrity, discipline, and clarity in the execution of their judicial duties. According to Ireporter Online, the appointments were made following recommendations by the National Judicial Council (NJC) during its 110th meeting held on January 13 and 14, 2026. The NJC forwarded the list of nominees to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the appointments.

Addressing the judges, the CJN described their selection as the result of one of the most rigorous, transparent, and technology-driven judicial recruitment processes in the nation’s history. She called on them to remain focused, warning against allowing praise or criticism to interfere with their constitutional responsibilities. She emphasized that their rulings must be well-reasoned and clear, and their conduct must always uphold the highest standards of propriety.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also stressed the importance of maintaining order and decorum in courtrooms, noting that such discipline is essential to sustaining public confidence in the judiciary. Among the new appointees are Suleiman Hassan, formerly Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, and Onuegbu Chioma, who served as Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

According to the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the council’s 110th meeting, presided over by the CJN, formally approved the recommendations. The induction of the 14 judges is expected to enhance the Federal High Court’s capacity to handle an increasing number of cases across its divisions nationwide.