The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has recommended 36 judicial officers for appointment across various states in the country.
The decision was made during the council’s 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024.
In a statement released on Friday via its official website and social media platform X, the NJC disclosed that the nominees include High Court judges, Sharia Court Kadis, and Customary Court judges.
Their appointments are subject to approval and swearing-in by their respective state governors.
Oyo State: Eight High Court judges, including Adeniyi Gabriel Opayinka and Olutola Jolade Adepoju.
- Kebbi State: Four High Court judges, such as Kwaido Hassan Muhammad and Suru Lauratu Jagwadeji.
- Sokoto State: Seven High Court judges, alongside seven Sharia Court Kadis.
- Akwa Ibom State: Six High Court judges, including James Bassey Ekanem and Julius Sharon Eddie.
Oyo State Customary Court: Two judges, Safiya Amope Oyediran and Ojeyemi Ademola Ojekunle.
This follows the council’s earlier recommendations in August and May 2024, where 28 and 86 judicial officers, respectively, were nominated for federal and state courts.
The NJC emphasized the importance of these appointments in enhancing judicial efficiency and ensuring access to justice across the federation.
The Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, signed the statement and reiterated that the swearing-in ceremonies would be conducted by the governors of the respective states.
Justice Kekere-Ekun continues to advocate for reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary and ensuring effective justice delivery nationwide.