The National Judicial Council under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has put forward 36 candidates for judicial appointments across various states.
This decision was reached during its 107th meeting, held on November 13 and 14, 2024.
A statement released on Friday via the NJC’s X account and official website confirmed that the nominees include High Court judges, Sharia Court Kadis, and Customary Court judges.
These recommendations are now awaiting the respective state governors’ approval, a prerequisite for their formal appointment and swearing-in ceremonies.
This recent nomination follows a pattern of consistent judicial appointments under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s tenure.
At the NJC’s 106th meeting in August 2024, 28 judicial officers were recommended, while a record 86 nominees were approved during the 105th meeting in May 2024 for federal and state court appointments.
The statement, signed by NJC’s Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, highlighted the diverse regional representation of the nominees:
High Court Judges – Oyo State (8 nominees):
Opayinka, Adeniyi Gabriel
Oyediran, Oloyede Semiu
Oladejo, Olusoji Moses
Ademola-Salami, Oluwaseun Toluwanimi
Adesina, Jimoh Adam
Adekunle, Yemi Saubana
Adepoju, Olutola Jolade Adenike
Muraina, Olayemi Rasaq
High Court Judges – Kebbi State (4 nominees):
Muhammad, Kwaido Hassan
Ibrahim, Umar Halima
Jagwadeji, Suru Lauratu
Muhammad, Nuruddeen
High Court Judges – Sokoto State (7 nominees):
Haruna, Dogondaji Mariya
Sahabi, Jaredi Hadiza
Ahmad, Sha’aibu
Hassan, Fatima
Mohammed, Sa’idu Fatima
Muhammad, Nura Bello
Moyi, Abubakar
High Court Judges – Akwa Ibom State (6 nominees):
Ekanem, James Bassey
Umohandi, Mfon Winifred
Essien, Bassey Iwakaowo
Morrison, Henry Comfort
Ntekim, Edet Ekpo
Eddie, Julius Sharon
Sharia Court of Appeal Kadis – Sokoto State (7 nominees):
Muhammad, Abdulazeez Yar’Abba
Lawal, Isa Abubakar
Bello, Sokoto Ibrahim
Imam, Abubakar Bello
Muhammad, Abibu Lawal
Ibrahim, Bodinga Umar
Kabiru, Marnona Umar
Sharia Court of Appeal Kadis – Kebbi State (2 nominees):
Aliyu, Kabir, SAN
Bello, Muhammad Atiku
Customary Court of Appeal Judges – Oyo State (2 nominees):
Oyediran, Safiya Amope
Ojekunle, Ojeyemi Ademola
The NJC’s proactive steps in strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary reflect its commitment to maintaining an efficient justice system.
The swearing-in ceremonies will mark the beginning of these individuals’ critical roles in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice in their respective states.
