A fiery judge of the Abuja Federal High Court, Justice James Omotosho, was among the 12 judicial officers recommended for elevation to the Appeal Court as part of efforts to strengthen the judiciary and improve justice delivery nationwide.
The recommendation was made during the National Judicial Council’s 111th meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to a statement issued by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the judges recommended for elevation to the appellate court are Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, Justice Yakubu Mohammed, Justice Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Justice Ajuwa Raphael, Justice Abua Ojie, Justice Ijohor Jennifer, Justice Shuaibu Bala, Justice Buba Njane, Justice Kado Sanusi, Justice Ademola Enikuomehin and Justice Dadom Veronica.
The Council forwarded the recommendations to President Bola Tinubu for approval.
The NJC also recommended the appointment of Christine Ende as a judge of the Benue State High Court, alongside two nominees for appointment as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
According to the Council, the appointments are aimed at filling vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the judiciary while boosting the efficiency of courts nationwide.
In a related development, the Council extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, effective from March 26 to June 26, 2026, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
The NJC commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for refusing to be sworn in contrary to constitutional procedures, describing the action as a demonstration of institutional integrity and respect for the rule of law.
It also urged the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to expedite the appointment of a substantive chief judge to ensure stability and judicial independence in the state.
On disciplinary matters, the Council rejected appeals filed by eight judges of the Imo State judiciary seeking reversal of their compulsory retirement over allegations of age falsification.
The affected judicial officers were among 10 judges sanctioned during the Council’s 109th meeting held on June 25, 2025.
Nine were accused of altering their dates of birth to unlawfully extend their years of service, while Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was accused of making himself available for swearing-in as Acting Chief Judge despite being fourth in judicial hierarchy, contrary to constitutional provisions.
The Council stated that the affected judges failed to provide fresh evidence capable of overturning the sanctions earlier imposed on them.
However, the NJC reinstated Justice T. I. Nze after a review committee verified new evidence presented by the judge as authentic.
The Council also reviewed 13 petitions filed against judicial officers across the country over alleged misconduct in handling court cases.
Out of the petitions, eight were dismissed for lacking merit, being time-barred or for want of diligent prosecution.
However, the NJC suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau and Justice Edward A. E. Okpe for one year without pay over separate cases of judicial misconduct.
Justice Shekarau was found guilty of granting an ex parte order in breach of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
A petitioner, Oluwafunke Obale Ozozoma, had accused the judge of ordering the transfer of N7 million from her bank account to a third party without a substantive suit before the court.
The Council held that the judge acted in bad faith, failed to observe due process and demonstrated professional incompetence.
Similarly, Justice Okpe was sanctioned following a petition by Sunday Emmanuel Oso, who accused the judge of bias and denial of fair hearing in a matrimonial dispute.
The NJC found that Justice Okpe granted an ex parte application that led to committal proceedings against the petitioner without giving him an opportunity to be heard, contrary to judicial conduct rules.
The Council further resolved to refer one Mbadiwe Ossai to the Inspector-General of Police for investigation and possible prosecution over alleged perjury.
Four legal practitioners — Adeboye Williams Adewale, Dr. Peter N. Ekemezie, Dr. Martin Odika and Muhammad Hamza Ahmad-Gana — were also referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for allegedly filing frivolous petitions intended to harass judicial officers.
In another decision, the Council barred serial petitioner Yusuf Isa from submitting further petitions to the NJC.
The Council also clarified that the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit retired public servants from being appointed as judicial officers.
Under its newly adopted policy, retired public servants seeking judicial appointment must have at least 10 years remaining before the mandatory retirement age.
Candidates are also required to disclose criminal convictions, employment history, financial status and any existing employment obligations.
