NJC Recommends Justice Oyewole for Supreme Court, Approves 35 Other Judicial Appointments
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, currently the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The decision was taken at the Council’s 110th meeting held on January 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
Alongside Justice Oyewole, the NJC approved 35 other candidates for various judicial offices across the country, following a rigorous screening process in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.
– High Courts: 27 judges were recommended across Borno (6), Plateau (6), Ekiti (5), Niger (4), Delta (4), Benue (1), and Taraba (1).
– Sharia Courts of Appeal: Six Kadis were recommended in Niger (3), Taraba (2), and Katsina (1).
– Customary Court of Appeal: Two judges were approved for Delta State.
The Council also extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months, urging the state governor to expedite the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge to safeguard judicial independence.
In a major development, the NJC cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations of financial recklessness and misconduct. A three-member investigation committee found no evidence of wrongdoing after reviewing petitions filed by judiciary staff, lawmakers, and the state’s Attorney-General.
A petition against Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi of the Delta State High Court was dismissed after the complainant withdrew the case.
The Council reversed the one-year suspension of Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, ruling that the complaint was filed outside the stipulated time frame.
Out of 39 petitions reviewed, 26 were dismissed, seven recommended for further investigation, and two judicial officers cautioned.
The NJC reiterated its warning to judges against indiscriminate ex parte orders and advised heads of courts to avoid assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
The Council approved the voluntary retirement of Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel-Kalio of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, and Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi, Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State, who passed away shortly after submitting his notice.
It also announced the deaths of Hon. Justice Oluwayemisi Ikeolupo Adelaja of the FCT High Court, Kubwa, and Hon. Justice U. I. Abdullahi, Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State, extending condolences to their families and the judiciary.
