For the first time in its 57 years of existence, the Supreme Court of Nigeria now has 20 justices. This happened recently when the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, swore in eight new Justices of the Supreme Court.
The swearing-in, which took place at the Supreme Court complex, was sequel to the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari and confirmed by the Senate, on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council.
The new Justices are Hon. Justice Lawal Garba, (North West), Hon. Justice Helen M. Ogunwumiju (South West), Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki (North West), and Hon. Justice Ibrahim M. M Saulawa (North West), Hon. Justice Adamu Jauro (North East), Hon. Justice Samuel Oseji (South South), Hon. Justice Tijani Abubakar (North East), and Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim (South South).
On account of deaths and retirements, the number of justices prior to swearing in of the new justices was 12. Their elevation brought the number to 20, making it the highest in 57 years since the Court’s inception as Supreme Court of Nigeria on October 1st 1963.
The 1999 Constitution provides that the total number of justices of the Supreme Court shall not exceed 21. Over the years however, the number has been 16 Justices and the Chief Justice making them 17.
