The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court and approved the appointment of 35 judges for various courts across Nigeria.
The decisions were made during the NJC’s 110th meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Justice Oyewole, currently presiding over the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, is known for his landmark 2009 conviction of PDP former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George for money laundering while serving at the Lagos High Court.
According to NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the council also approved 27 candidates for appointment as judges of various State High Courts, six Kadis to Sharia Courts of Appeal, and two judges to the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.
State High Court appointments include:
· Borno: Mustapha Mallam Babagana, Hadiza Grema Mustapha, James Peter Bwala, Zannah Tijjani Babakura, Alkali Alhaji Umar Dunoma, Yahaya Alhaji.
· Plateau: Andrawus Maikai, Tongret Nanman Nkwap Kparbong, Diane Ngummai Mantu, John Ishaku Bature, Gavou Musa Mallan, Kingsley Mangai.
· Ekiti: Olanike Caroline Adegoke, Julius Sunday Bamidele Ajibare, Julius Akinyede, Stephen Rotimi Anoma, Adefunke Helen Bamise.
· Niger: Adamu Ahmed Abubakar, Bala Ndajiwo Gambo, Sa’adatu Abubakar Wushishi, Sulaiman Buhari.
· Delta: Jonah Akporuaro Sam-Oligida Otite, Ukuli Jereoma, Boeye Irene Adamidenyo, Otome Benjamin.
· Taraba: Babagari Mansura Mohammed.
Sharia Court of Appeal appointments:
· Niger: Usman Abdulrahman Aboki, Ya’aba Muhammad Mohammed, Nasir Ibrahim.
· Taraba: Muhammad Yakubu, Yahaya Abubakar Aliyu.
· Katsina: Mustapha Salisu Mutawakkil.
Delta State Customary Court of Appeal: Bridget Onome Ojeikere, Stella Ovuorieroro Okah.
The council also approved a three-month extension for the appointment of Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I.O. Agugua, while urging the Governor of Imo State to commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission to appoint a substantive Chief Judge.
The NJC cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations including financial recklessness, fund diversion, and judicial misconduct. Investigations revealed that suspensions and promotions within the judiciary followed due process, and there was no evidence of personal misappropriation.
Similarly, petitions against Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi of Delta State High Court and Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, were dismissed or set aside following reviews and procedural considerations.
Out of 39 petitions reviewed by the NJC’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, 26 were dismissed, seven recommended for further investigation, and two judicial officers cautioned. The council also emphasized caution in granting ex parte orders and warned court heads to be careful when assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
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, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division. Sadly, Abdullahi passed away shortly after submitting his retirement notice.
The council also announced the deaths of judicial officers between November and December 2025, including Justice Oluwayemisi Ikeolupo Adelaja (High Court, FCT, Kubwa) and Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi (Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal).
