NJC Announces Major Judicial Appointments and Disciplinary Actions Following 109th Meeting

The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, has approved significant judicial appointments and disciplinary measures following its 109th meeting held on June 25, 2025.

Key Appointments

• Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye recommended as Chief Judge of Ekiti State

• Hon. Kadi Abba Mammadi recommended as Grand Kadi of Yobe State

• Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, Esq. recommended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal

Additionally, the NJC recommended 18 new judicial appointments across five states, including High Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal.

Public Involvement

Following a public call for input during its April meeting, the NJC received 86 responses. While most were positive, one candidate was dropped due to substantiated allegations.

Retirements

• Hon. Justice Babatunde Ademola Bakre (Ogun)

• Hon. Justice H. O. Ajayi (Kwara)

Disciplinary Actions

Imo State Judiciary

• 10 Judges recommended for compulsory retirement, including 9 for falsifying their ages and 1 (Justice T. N. Nzeukwu) for unconstitutional assumption of the role of Acting Chief Judge.

• The NJC cleared several other judges after investigation, including Justice I. O. Agugua and Justice V. U. Okorie.

National Industrial Court

• Justice Isaac J. Essien barred from elevation for three years due to misconduct in a ₦1 billion case involving Nasarawa State funds. He was found to have acted unethically and inappropriately influenced case proceedings.

Other Disciplinary Measures

• Cautions issued to:

  • Justice Rahman A. Oshodi (Lagos)

  • Justice Daniel Okungbowa (Edo)

  • Justice Sa’adatu I. Mark (Federal High Court)

• Final warning to:

  • Justice G. B. Okolosi (Delta)

Benue Chief Judge Cleared

• Chief Judge M. A. Ikpambese was exonerated of politically motivated allegations by Attorney-General Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim.

• The NJC referred Mnyim to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for misconduct.

Dismissed and Deferred Petitions

• Petitions against several judges, including Justices A. M. Liman, S. A. Amobeda, M. A. Haruna, and Binta Nyako, were either withdrawn or dismissed.

• Cases against Justices Liman and Yusuf Halilu were suspended due to pending court proceedings.

Blacklisting

• The NJC blacklisted Peter N. Ekemezie for filing multiple baseless petitions and barred him from submitting further complaints.