The National Judicial Council confirmed that it has been served with formal notices of death and retirement involving 14 judges from both federal and state courts, as revealed at its 112th meeting on 3 November.
How many judges were affected?
The council recorded six retirement notices and nine death notices. The affected judges served in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, various State High Courts and Customary Courts of Appeal.
Which Supreme Court justices are retiring?
Two Supreme Court justices are set to leave the bench within weeks. Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, appointed to the Supreme Court in November 2020, retired on 29 September, becoming the 103rd former justice of the nation’s highest court. Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, who joined the Supreme Court in January 2019, is scheduled to retire on Saturday, 7 November.
What is the impact on the Supreme Court bench?
With Justice Aji’s impending departure, the Supreme Court will operate with only 19 justices, two short of the constitutionally mandated 21‑member complement. The court only regained its full bench in February 2024 after the elevation of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole.
Who were the judges that passed away?
The NJC listed nine judges who died between 1 May and 26 September. They include:
- Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa, Federal High Court, Kano Division;
- Justice Sambo Sammy Daka, Kaduna State High Court;
- Justice Josephine Efunkumbi Oyefeso, Lagos State High Court;
- Justice Musa Mohammed Dallah, Nasarawa State High Court;
- Justice Bello Muhammed Shinkafi, Zamfara State High Court;
- Justice Edem Nyong Okokon, Cross River State High Court;
- Justice Aliyu Mani Yauri, a kadi of the Kebbi State Sharia Court of Appeal;
- Justice Dorothy Sim Inwulale, Kaduna State Customary Court of Appeal;
- Justice Legor Torbira Senewo, Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal.
What did the NJC say in response?
The council expressed deep appreciation to the retiring judges for their “dedicated and meritorious service to the Judiciary and the nation.” It also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased judges, the broader judiciary and the Nigerian legal community, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
Background on the Supreme Court’s full complement
Although the Nigerian constitution provides for a 21‑justice Supreme Court, the bench remained below that number for decades due to retirements, deaths, a protracted appointment process and limited executive commitment. The court’s strength fell to a historic low of ten justices in 2023 before expanding to the full complement on 26 February 2024 after the simultaneous elevation of eleven justices. The recent retirements now bring the number down to twenty, underscoring the ongoing challenge of maintaining a fully staffed apex court.
What did the Chief Justice say?
At Justice Oyewole’s inauguration on 25 February, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun described achieving a full bench as “no small milestone,” noting that a complete court enhances the ability to sit in robust panels, manage the docket efficiently and reinforce the stability of Nigeria’s jurisprudence.