The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 11 justices from the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court. The recommendation is to enable justices to fill the openings on the Apex Court bench. According to the NJC, if all appointments are confirmed, the Court will have its full complement of 21 justices for the first time. NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, in a press statement on Wednesday 6th of December 2023 disclosed that the council decided at its 104th meeting after considering the list of candidates presented by its Interview Committee.
The Wednesday’s meeting of the council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, who doubles as NJC’s chairperson, also recommended some heads of courts and other judicial officers for federal and state courts in the country, according to Mr Oye
Currently, there are only 10 justices on the Supreme Court bench, which is 11 justices short of its full complement of 21 judges.
The recommended candidates would be sworn in after the approval of President Bola Tinubu and subsequent confirmation of their appointment by the Senate.
Those recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court are:
Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR
Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa
Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme
Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani
Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein
Hon. Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya
Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah
Hon. Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru
Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur
Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar
Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris