The NJC approves 35 judges, elevates Justice Oyewole to Supreme Court, clears allegations against Chief Judges, and
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved the appointment of 35 judges for courts across Nigeria and recommended the elevation of Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, marking one of the most significant developments in the nation’s judiciary in recent years.
The NJC made these decisions during its 110th meeting on January 13, 2026, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to a statement issued by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the appointments and elevations followed an extensive evaluation process, which included rigorous interviews, reviews of public complaints, and compliance with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for Judicial Officers.
Justice Joseph Oyewole, currently presiding over the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, was recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court, reflecting his distinguished record in judicial service.
In addition to Justice Oyewole, the NJC approved 27 candidates for appointment as judges of various State High Courts.
These appointments aim to strengthen the judicial system, ensure the effective administration of justice, and promote judicial independence across the federation.
The approved appointments for State High Courts include six judges for Borno State, four for Niger State, one each for Benue and Taraba states, six for Plateau State, four for Delta State, and five for Ekiti State High Court.
For Borno State High Court, the NJC recommended Mustapha Mallam Babagana, Hadiza Grema Mustapha, James Peter Bwala, Tijjani Babakura Zannah, Alhaji Umar Dunoma Alkali, and Yahaya Alhaji.
Plateau State High Court nominees include Andrawus Maikai, Tongret Nanman Nkwap Kparbong, Diane Ngummai Mantu, John Ishaku Bature, Gavou Musa Mallan, and Kingsley Mangai.
In Ekiti State High Court, the council recommended Olanike Caroline Bamise Adegoke, Julius Sunday Bamidele Ajibare, Julius Akinyede, Stephen Rotimi Anoma, and Adefunke Helen.
Niger State High Court appointments include Adamu Ahmed Abubakar, Bala Ndajiwo Gambo, Sa’adatu Abubakar Wushishi, and Sulaiman Buhari.
Delta State nominees are Jonah Akporuaro Sam-Oligida Otite, Jereoma Ukuli, Boeye Irene Adamidenyo, and Otome Benjamin, while Taraba State’s High Court had one approved judge, Mansura Mohammed Babagari.
The NJC also recommended the appointment of six Kadis to Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba, and Katsina states. For Niger State, the recommended Kadis are Usman Abdulrahman Aboki, Ya’aba Muhammad Mohammed, and Nasir Ibrahim.
Taraba State will have two appointments: Muhammad Yakubu and Yahaya Abubakar Aliyu, while Katsina State’s appointee is Mustapha Salis Mutawakkil. For the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, the NJC recommended Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Stella Ovuorieroro Okah.
The NJC emphasized that these appointments followed a thorough vetting process, ensuring that all nominees meet the required standards of competence, integrity, and professionalism.
“The recommendations are a result of extensive interviews, reviews of public complaints, and assessments by a seven-member Interview Committee in line with the Revised NJC Guidelines,” the statement noted.
Beyond appointments, the Council extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months and urged the state government to immediately constitute the State Judicial Service Commission.
This step is critical to enabling the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge, a move the NJC highlighted as necessary for judicial stability and independence.
In a significant clearance, the NJC absolved the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations of financial impropriety and judicial misconduct.
The allegations had included the diversion of ₦7.4 million meant for judges’ retreats, ₦5 million robe allowance, and proceeds from e-affidavits.
The clearance followed the recommendation of a three-member Investigation Committee, which found no evidence supporting the claims.
Similarly, the NJC dismissed a petition against Delta State High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi, over a chieftaincy dispute after the petitioner formally withdrew the complaint following the resolution of the dispute by the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Council also reversed the one-year suspension of Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, after finding that the alleged misconduct occurred while he presided over the Federal High Court, Uyo, prior to his elevation.
The petition had been filed outside the six-month period allowed for complaints and concerned a matter already on appeal.
In its wider review, the NJC’s preliminary complaints assessment committees examined 39 petitions, dismissing 26 for lack of merit, recommending seven for further investigation, and issuing cautions to two judicial officers.
The Council reiterated warnings against indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders and advised heads of courts to assign complex cases carefully to newly appointed judges.
On retirements, the NJC approved the voluntary retirement of Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi, Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State, and Hon. Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel-Kalio of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
The Council, however, expressed regret over the passing of Alhaji Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi shortly after his retirement submission.
Finally, the NJC announced the passing of two judicial officers between November and December 2025: Justice Oluwayemisi Ikeolupo Adelaja of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kubwa, Abuja, and U. I. Abdullahi, Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State.
The NJC reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in judicial appointments, promoting judicial independence, and ensuring the effective administration of justice across Nigeria, while strengthening the integrity of the country’s judiciary.
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