The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 12 judges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s appellate judiciary.
The recommendation was made during the NJC’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Among the prominent nominees are Justice James Kolawole Omotosho and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, both of whom have handled several high-profile and politically sensitive cases in recent years.
The full list of judges recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal includes:
- Justice Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu
- Justice Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde
- Justice Raphael Ajuwa
- Justice Elias Ojie Abua
- Justice Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor
- Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu
- Justice James Kolawole Omotosho
- Justice Emeka Nwite
- Justice Dauda Njane Buba
- Justice Sanusi Kado
- Justice Ademola Enikuomehin
- Justice Julcit Veronica Dadom
According to the NJC, the appointments are intended to fill vacancies created by the retirement and elevation of judicial officers across the country, while also improving the efficiency of justice delivery within the appellate system.
Justice Omotosho has drawn national attention for presiding over the terrorism trial involving IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, while Justice Nwite has overseen major corruption and financial crime cases, including proceedings linked to former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
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Beyond the Appeal Court nominations, the NJC also approved the recommendation of Christine T. Clement Ende as a judge of the Benue State High Court, alongside the nomination of Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
The Council further adopted a policy clarifying that retired public servants are eligible for judicial appointments, provided they still have at least 10 years before reaching the mandatory retirement age for judicial officers.
In the same meeting, the NJC extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months and sanctioned some judicial officers over misconduct-related matters.
