Wike’s Wife Elevated To Appeal Court, CJN’s Daughter-In-Law To FCT High Court

Wike’s Wife Elevated To Appeal Court, CJN’s Daughter-In-Law To FCT High Court

Published on May 17, 2024
By Noah Abdulsalam

Amid protests from various civil society organizations, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for elevation to the Court of Appeal…..read also Wike’s Political Turmoil: List Of Commissioners Fubara ‘Lost’ In One Day

Additionally, the daughter-in-law of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria, has been nominated for appointment as a Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. This recommendation occurred during a meeting presided over by her father-in-law, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is set to retire in August this year.

The NJC also barred two judges, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court, from elevation to the Appeal Court for two and three years respectively, issuing them warning letters. Justice Ekwo was reprimanded for abusing discretionary power in granting an ex-parte order in a specific suit, while Justice Brikins-Okolosi faced consequences for failing to deliver a timely judgment.

Furthermore, the NJC issued a caution to Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court for improperly issuing a Writ of Possession.

At the meeting, the NJC considered reports from its Complaints Assessment Committees on 35 petitions against judges of federal and state high courts. Eight committees were established to further investigate meritorious petitions, while several other petitions were dismissed due to lack of merit or evidence of misconduct.

The NJC also received notifications of retirements, including that of Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and noted the deaths of three judges.

In total, the NJC recommended 86 judicial officers for appointments across various courts, including the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal in different states.

For the Court of Appeal, 22 high court judges were recommended, including Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette. Twelve individuals were nominated for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, among them Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria and Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike.

The NJC’s recommendations now await approval from the President and respective state governors.