The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken significant steps to reshape Nigeria's judiciary, making key recommendations for appointments and resolving several disciplinary matters. The decisions were reached during the Council's 110th meeting held on Tuesday, 14th January 2026, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
Major Appointments to Strengthen the Bench
In a landmark move, the NJC recommended Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole for elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Justice Oyewole, who currently serves as the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, was the sole nominee put forward for the apex court. This recommendation is seen as a critical step in filling vacancies at the highest judicial level.
Beyond the Supreme Court, the Council approved a total of 35 candidates for various judicial offices nationwide. This includes the appointment of 27 new judges to State High Courts across seven states: Borno, Niger, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Ekiti. The NJC stated this mass appointment is part of ongoing efforts to bolster judicial capacity and improve citizens' access to justice across the federation.
The Council also recommended six Kadis for appointment to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba, and Katsina States. Furthermore, two judges were recommended for the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State. All recommendations followed what the NJC described as a rigorous screening process, which included the consideration of public complaints and interviews conducted in strict adherence to the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.
Disciplinary Actions and Clearances
The meeting also addressed several petitions and disciplinary issues involving judicial officers. In a significant development, the NJC completely cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations against him. The allegations, which included financial recklessness, diversion of funds, and judicial misconduct, were dismissed after an investigation committee found no evidence to support claims of misappropriation, abuse of office, or breach of the Code of Conduct.
In another case, the Council set aside the one-year suspension without pay earlier imposed on Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division. The NJC ruled that the petition against her was filed outside the stipulated six-month period and concerned a matter that was already under appeal at the time.
Additionally, a petition against a Delta State High Court judge, Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi, which arose from a chieftaincy dispute, was dismissed after the petitioner formally withdrew the complaint following the resolution of the underlying dispute.
Overall, the NJC reviewed 39 petitions against judicial officers. The outcomes were as follows:
- 26 petitions were dismissed for lack of merit.
- 7 petitions were ordered for further investigation.
- 2 judges were issued with letters of caution.
Administrative Decisions and Warnings
The Council made several administrative rulings. It extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months. Simultaneously, it urged the Imo State Governor to urgently constitute the State Judicial Service Commission to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge. The NJC warned that a prolonged delay could undermine judicial stability and independence in the state.
The NJC also reiterated its strong warning against the indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders by judges. It further advised Heads of Court to exercise caution when assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges to ensure proper adjudication.
On other administrative fronts, the Council approved the voluntary retirement of two senior judicial officers, including the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, Hon. Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel-Kalio. It also announced, with regret, the death of two judicial officers between November and December 2025, extending condolences to their families and the broader legal community.
A committee was constituted to examine a review request submitted by nine dismissed judges of the Imo State Judiciary. However, the Council declined to entertain a fresh petition against the state's Acting Chief Judge, stating that the issues raised had already been exhaustively considered in previous sessions.
