The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, for elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The recommendation was made during the Council’s 110th plenary meeting, held on Wednesday and chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. In the same sitting, the NJC approved 35 other candidates for appointment to various judicial offices across the country.
The decisions were formally announced in a statement issued by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Justice Oyewole, the only jurist recommended for the Supreme Court at the meeting, currently heads the Court of Appeal division in Enugu. Although he is an indigene of Osun State, his judicial career began at the Lagos State High Court, where he served before his elevation to the appellate bench.
High Court, Sharia and Customary Court Appointments
Beyond the Supreme Court nomination, the Council approved 27 candidates for appointment as Judges of State High Courts across seven states. The breakdown includes six judges each for Borno and Plateau states, five for Ekiti, four each for Niger and Delta, and one judge apiece for Taraba and Benue states.
The NJC also recommended six Kadis for appointment to the Sharia Courts of Appeal, allocating three to Niger State, two to Taraba State, and one to Katsina State.
In addition, two judges were approved for appointment to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
According to the Council, all successful candidates emerged after an exhaustive selection process that included public feedback, security and background checks, and structured interviews conducted by a seven-member Interview Committee. The NJC stressed that the entire process strictly adhered to the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.
NJC Addresses Integrity Screening Concerns
The Council’s detailed explanation of its appointment process comes amid recent public debate over reports alleging that judicial nominees were disqualified through a so-called “integrity test.”
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Earlier this month, the NJC categorically dismissed media claims that 34 lawyers were removed from consideration for appointment to the Federal High Court after failing such a test. In a statement issued by the NJC Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, the Council described the reports as misleading and unauthorised.
Mr Saleh clarified that the procedures referenced in the reports were handled solely by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and not the NJC, adding that the Council had not taken any decision on the affected candidates at the time.
He further explained that some applicants were screened out at the FJSC level due to adverse findings from petitions, while others failed to meet the required benchmark to proceed to the interview stage. The NJC firmly rejected suggestions that a newly introduced or independent integrity test was used, reiterating that judicial appointments follow a long-established, merit-based process.
Imo Acting Chief Judge’s Appointment Extended
At the same meeting, the NJC approved a three-month extension of the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I. O. Agugua.
The Council urged the Imo State Government to urgently commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission, a necessary step toward appointing a substantive Chief Judge. The NJC emphasised that filling the position permanently is vital for institutional stability, judicial independence, and the smooth administration of justice in the state.
Full List of Recommended Candidates
Supreme Court
Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole
High Court Judges – Borno State (6)
Mustapha, Mallam Babagana
Mustapha, Hadiza Grema
James, Peter Bwala
Zannah, Tijjani Babakura
Alkali, Alhaji Umar
Dunoma, Yahaya Alhaji
High Court Judges – Plateau State (6)
Maikai, Andrawus
Kparbong, Tongret Nanman
Nkwap, Diane Ngummai
Mantu, John Ishaku
Bature, Gavou Musa
Mallan, Kingsley Mangai
High Court Judges – Ekiti State (5)
Adegoke, Olanike Caroline
Bamise, Julius Sunday Bamidele
Ajibare, Julius
Akinyede, Stephen Rotimi
Anoma, Adefunke Helen
High Court Judges – Niger State (4)
Abubakar, Adamu
Ahmed, Bala Ndajiwo
Gambo, Sa’adatu Abubakar
Wushishi, Sulaiman Buhari
High Court Judges – Delta State (4)
Otite, Jonah Akporuaro
Sam-Oligida, Jereoma
Ukuli, Boeye Irene
Adamidenyo, Otome Benjamin
High Court Judge – Taraba State (1)
Babagari, Mansura Mohammed
Sharia Court of Appeal – Niger State (3 Kadis)
Aboki, Usman Abdulrahman
Mohammed, Ya’aba
Muhammad, Nasir Ibrahim
Sharia Court of Appeal – Taraba State (2 Kadis)
Yakubu, Muhammad
Aliyu, Yahaya Abubakar
Sharia Court of Appeal – Katsina State (1 Kadi)
Mutawakkil, Mustapha Salis
Customary Court of Appeal – Delta State (2 Judges)
Ojeikere, Bridget Onome
Okah, Stella Ovuorieroro
