By Iyunade Grace
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Joseph Oyewole for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Oyewole is currently the presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division. This recommendation was made at the NJC’s 110th meeting, held on January 13, 2026, and chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The NJC also approved the appointment of 35 other candidates for various judicial offices across the country. These include 27 judges of various high courts, with six from Borno State, four from Niger, one from Benue, one from Taraba, six from Plateau, four from Delta, and five from Ekiti States .
Additionally, the NJC recommended six Kadis for appointment to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba, and Katsina States, and two judges for appointment to the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State. These recommendations follow a rigorous screening process, including public complaints and interviews conducted by a seven-member Interview Committee.
The NJC has also taken disciplinary actions against some judicial officers. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, had her one-year suspension without pay reversed. The Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Ojo, was cleared of all allegations bordering on financial recklessness, diversion of funds, and judicial misconduct.
Furthermore, the NJC reiterated its warning to judges against indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders and advised Heads of Court to be circumspect in assigning complex matters to newly appointed judges. The council also extended the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months and urged the Governor to commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission.
