The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of James Omotosho, a judge of the Federal High Court, along with 11 others, as new Justices of the Nigerian Court of Appeal.
The recommendations were made during the Council’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
The NJC said the appointments were part of efforts to fill vacancies created by retirements and elevations within the judiciary and to strengthen the capacity of courts for effective justice delivery across Nigeria.
The Council recommended the following judges for elevation to the Court of Appeal: Hon. Justice Yakubu Abdulhammeed Mohammed, Hon. Justice Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin, Hon. Justice Ajuwa Raphael, Hon. Justice Abua Elias Ojie and Hon. Justice Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer.
Others are Hon. Justice Shuaibu Sabiu Bala, Hon. Justice Omotosho James Kolawole, Hon. Justice Nwite Emeka, Hon. Justice Buba Dauda Njane, Hon. Justice Kado Sanusi, Hon. Justice Ademola Enikuomehin and Hon. Justice Dadom Julcit Veronica.
The NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the NJC said all the appointments followed “a rigorous selection process involving public scrutiny, evaluation of complaints received from stakeholders, and interviews conducted by a nine-member Interview Committee, in accordance with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.”
The Council also adopted a new policy clarifying the eligibility of retired public servants for judicial appointments.
According to the NJC, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), does not prohibit retired public servants from being appointed as judicial officers.
The Council said its position was guided by judicial precedent, especially the decision in Ayoola v. Baruwa (1999), where the Court of Appeal held that no constitutional provision prevents a retired legal practitioner from appointment to the bench.
Under the newly adopted policy, retired public servants seeking judicial appointments must have at least 10 years left in service before reaching the mandatory retirement age for judges.
The NJC also directed that such candidates must disclose any criminal convictions, provide full employment histories and reasons for leaving previous positions, declare existing employment obligations, and disclose their financial status, including any circumstances of financial embarrassment.
The Council explained that retirement from public service could occur through voluntary retirement, compulsory retirement or advised resignation, noting that some officers retire after attaining 50 years of age and completing 35 years in service.
According to the NJC, the minimum remaining service period requirement was introduced to ensure proper institutional investment in judicial training while promoting continuity, stability and efficiency within the judiciary.
The Council further extended the acting appointment of Hon. Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months from March 26, 2026 to June 26, 2026, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
The NJC commended Hon. Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to be sworn in contrary to constitutional procedures, describing the action as “a demonstration of institutional integrity and respect for the rule of law.”
The Council also urged the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to urgently conclude the process for appointing a substantive Chief Judge to ensure judicial independence and stability in the state.