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Nigeria’s apex judicial body, the National Judicial Council (NJC), has recommended Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA, for elevation to the Supreme Court, marking one of the most consequential outcomes of its 110th meeting as the Council also cleared senior judges of misconduct, reversed a controversial suspension, and approved dozens of new judicial appointments nationwide.
The decisions were taken at the Council’s meeting held on January 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, and formally announced on Wednesday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Supreme Court Slot Filled
Justice Oyewole, the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, was the sole nominee recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His elevation is set to fill the South-West vacancy created by the retirement of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Born on May 13, 1965, in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Justice Oyewole’s nomination followed what the NJC described as a rigorous screening process involving petitions review, public complaints consideration and interviews conducted in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.
Judicial Expansion Across States
Beyond the apex court recommendation, the NJC approved the appointment of 27 judges to State High Courts across seven states—Borno, Niger, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Delta and Ekiti—in a move aimed at easing case backlogs and strengthening judicial capacity.
A breakdown shows that Borno and Plateau States will receive six judges each; Ekiti will get five; Niger and Delta four each; while Benue and Taraba will receive one judge apiece.
The Council also recommended the appointment of six Kadis to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger and Taraba States, as well as two judges to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
Reversals, Vindications and Warnings
In a major vindication, the NJC cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations bordering on financial recklessness, diversion of funds and judicial misconduct. The Council upheld the findings of a three-member investigation committee, dismissing all petitions against him for lack of evidence.
Similarly, a petition against Delta State High Court judge, Justice Gentu E. Timi, arising from a chieftaincy dispute, was dismissed after the complainant formally withdrew the case following the resolution of the dispute.
In a dramatic reversal, the Council set aside the one-year suspension without pay earlier imposed on Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, ruling that the petition was filed outside the constitutionally permitted six-month window and concerned a matter already under appeal at the time.
Overall, the NJC reviewed 39 petitions against judicial officers, dismissing 26 as lacking merit, ordering further investigation into seven, and issuing cautions to two judges—one of whom was reprimanded for delivering judgment outside the constitutionally prescribed 90-day period and for using uncouth language in responding to a petition.
Imo Judiciary Under Scrutiny
The Council extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months, while urging Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently constitute the State Judicial Service Commission to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
Warning that prolonged delays could undermine judicial independence and stability, the NJC stressed the need for immediate action to safeguard the administration of justice in the state.
The Council also constituted a committee to review requests submitted by nine dismissed judges of the Imo State Judiciary, but declined to entertain a fresh petition against the Acting Chief Judge, noting that the issues raised had already been exhaustively considered.
Administrative Decisions
On the administrative front, the NJC approved the voluntary retirement of two senior judicial officers, including the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, 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 legal community.
Reiterating its reform stance, the Council warned judges against the indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders and advised Heads of Court to exercise restraint in assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
List of Recommended Candidates
SUPREME COURT
1. Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole
SIX HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR BORNO STATE
1. Mustapha, Mallam Babagana
2. Mustapha, Hadiza Grema
3. James, Peter Bwala
4. Zannah, Tijjani Babakura
5. Alkali, Alhaji Umar
6. Dunoma, Yahaya Alhaji
SIX HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR PLATEAU STATE
1. Maikai, Andrawus
2. Kparbong, Tongret Nanman
3. Nkwap, Diane Ngummai
4. Mantu, John Ishaku
5. Bature, Gavou Musa
6. Mallan, Kingsley Mangai
FIVE HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR EKITI STATE
1. Adegoke, Olanike Caroline
2. Bamise, Julius Sunday Bamidele
3. Ajibare, Julius
4. Akinyede, Stephen Rotimi
5. Anoma, Adefunke Helen
FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR NIGER STATE
1. Abubakar, Adamu
2. Ahmed, Bala Ndajiwo
3. Gambo, Sa’adatu Abubakar
4. Wushishi, Sulaiman Buhari
FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR DELTA STATE
1. Otite, Jonah Akporuaro
2. Sam-Oligida, Jereoma
3. Ukuli, Boeye Irene
4. Adamidenyo, Otome Benjamin
ONE HIGH COURT JUDGE FOR TARABA STATE
1. Babagari, Mansura Mohammed
THREE KADIS FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, NIGER STATE
1. Aboki, Usman Abdulrahman
2. Mohammed, Ya’aba
3. Muhammad, Nasir Ibrahim
TWO KADIS FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA STATE
1. Yakubu, Muhammad
2. Aliyu, Yahaya Abubakar
ONE KADI FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KATSINA STATE
1. Mutawakkil, Mustapha Salis
TWO JUDGES FOR CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, DELTA STATE
1. Ojeikere, Bridget Onome
2. Okah, Stella Ovuorieroro
