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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal, to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The decision was reached at the 100th meeting of the council held between January 13 and 14, 2026.
In all, the meeting, which was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, approved 36 candidates for various judicial offices across the federation, following what it described as a rigorous screening process.
Justice Oyewole, who currently presides over the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court.
The council also approved 27 candidates for appointment as judges of state High Courts across seven states, including Borno, Niger, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Delta and Ekiti.
In addition, the NJC approved the appointment of six Kadis to Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba and Katsina states, as well as two judges to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
According to the council, the appointments followed interviews and the consideration of public complaints, in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.
Beyond appointments, the council extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months.
It also urged the Imo State Government to urgently constitute the State Judicial Service Commission to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge, stressing that prolonged acting appointments could undermine stability and judicial independence.
The NJC also cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations ranging from financial recklessness to judicial misconduct.
The decision followed the adoption of the report of a three-member investigation committee, which found that none of the allegations — including claims of fund diversion, selective promotions and disobedience of court orders — was substantiated.
In Delta State, the council dismissed a petition against Hon Justice Gentu E. Timi of the state High Court over a chieftaincy dispute, noting that the petitioner had formally withdrawn the case after the underlying dispute was resolved.
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In another significant decision, the NJC reversed the one-year suspension without pay earlier imposed on Hon Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division.
The council held that the petition leading to her suspension was filed outside the stipulated time frame and concerned issues already under appeal, warranting the setting aside of the sanction.
Overall, the council reviewed 39 petitions against judicial officers nationwide, dismissing 26 for lack of merit, ordering further investigation into seven, and issuing cautions or warnings in a few others.
It reiterated its warning against the indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders and advised heads of court to exercise care in assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
The NJC also approved the voluntary retirement of two senior judicial officers, including the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
It, however, noted with regret the passing of the Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State, shortly after his retirement notice.
Finally, the council announced the deaths of two judicial officers between November and December 2025 and extended its condolences to their families, the judiciary and the wider Nigerian legal community.
The six High Court judges for Borno State are: Mustapha, Mallam Babagana; Mustapha, Hadiza Grema; James, Peter Bwala; Zannah, Tijjani Babakura; Alkali, Alhaji Umar; and Dunoma, Yahaya Alhaji.
Those for Plateau State are: Maikai, Andrawus; Kparbong, Tongret Nanman; Nkwap, Diane Ngummai; Mantu, John Ishaku; Bature, Gavou Musa; and Mallan, Kingsley Mangai.
Ekiti State has Adegoke, Olanike Caroline; Bamise, Julius Sunday Bamidele; Ajibare, Julius; Akinyede, Stephen Rotimi; and Anoma, Adefunke Helen.
Niger State and Delta State have four judges each. They are Abubakar, Adamu; Ahmed, Bala Ndajiwo; Gambo, Sa’adatu Abubakar; and Wushishi, Sulaiman Buhari (Niger State); and Otite, Jonah Akporuaro; Sam-Oligida, Jereoma; Ukuli, Boeye Irene; and Adamidenyo, Otome Benjamin (Delta State).
