The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 86 judges and justices for various courts across Nigeria. The recommendations were made at the NJC’s 105th meeting held on May 15 and 16.
Among those recommended for appointment to the Court of Appeal are Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and 21 others. The NJC also recommended the appointment of judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal of various states.
The recommended judges will be sworn in after the approval of the NJC’s recommendations by the President and relevant state governors. The NJC also issued warning letters to three judges and barred them from being elevated to a higher bench for a certain period over alleged misconduct.
Additionally, the NJC dismissed petitions against several judges, including Justices A. M. Liman, A. A. Okeke, and D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court, and others.
The NJC also deliberated on the notification of the retirements of three judicial officers, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and the notification of the death of three judges of federal and state courts.