The National Judicial Council (NJC) has put forward Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA, for a position as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in addition to recommending 35 other individuals for distinct judicial roles nationwide.
This determination was reached during the NJC’s 110th gathering on Tuesday, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Oyewole, currently the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, was the only nominee put forth for advancement to the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, the Council sanctioned the appointment of 27 new judges to the State High Courts in seven states: Borno, Niger, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Ekiti, contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing the capacity of the judiciary and facilitating access to justice.
The NJC also recommended six Kadis for roles in the Sharia Courts of Appeal located in Niger, Taraba, and Katsina States, as well as appointing two judges for the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
These recommendations emerged following a thorough screening process by the Council, which included reviewing public complaints and conducting interviews under the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.
In addition to these appointments, the Council extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua, for an additional three months, while also urging the Governor of Imo State to promptly form the State Judicial Service Commission to appoint a permanent Chief Judge.
The NJC cautioned that prolonged delays might jeopardize judicial stability and independence within the state.
In a significant ruling, the NJC exonerated the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, from all accusations related to financial mismanagement, fund misappropriation, and judicial impropriety.
The Council reinforced the conclusions of an investigative body that found no concrete evidence to substantiate allegations of misappropriation, abuse of power, or violations of the Code of Conduct, thereby dismissing all complaints against him.
A similar complaint aimed at Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi of the Delta State High Court regarding a chieftaincy issue was also discharged after the complainant formally retracted the grievance once the dispute was resolved.
In a notable turn of events, the NJC overturned the one-year suspension without pay previously imposed on Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division.
The Council ruled that the complaint against the Justice was submitted beyond the designated six-month timeframe and involved a matter already under appeals process at that time.
Overall, the NJC reviewed 39 complaints made against judicial officers, dismissing 26 due to lack of merit, directing further investigations into seven, and issuing warnings to two judges.
The Council reiterated its warning against indiscriminate issuance of ex parte orders and advised court leaders to be cautious when assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
Additionally, the NJC established a committee to consider a review request from nine dismissed judges within the Imo State Judiciary, while refusing to address a new petition concerning the Acting Chief Judge on the grounds that the issues had previously been exhaustively examined.
On an administrative note, the NJC approved the voluntary retirement of two senior judicial figures, including Hon. Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel- Kalio, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
The Council also expressed condolences for the loss of two judicial officers who passed away between November and December 2025, extending sympathies to their families and the wider legal community.
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