Tag: NJC

NJC recommends appointment of 26 Judicial officers, 18 Appeal Court Justices

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 18 candidates to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal.

This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson of NJC, Soji Oye, on Friday in Abuja.

The council said the decision to recommend the Judges for the various appointments was taken at the 94th Meeting of NJC held on Dec. 17 to Dec. 18 2020 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

The Council further okayed the appointment of eight heads of court, even as it constituted a panel to probe allegations that were brought against a serving judge.

It said the list of candidates presented by its Interview Committee was considered, after which it resolved to recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Governors of Rivers, Nasarawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Delta States, the 26 successful candidates for appointment as Justices of Court of Appeal and Heads of Court in Nigeria.

It gave the list of the successful 18 candidates it recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench as Justices Bature Gafai, Muhammad Sirajo, Waziri Abdul-Azeez, Yusuf Bashir, Usman A. Musale, Jauro Wakili and Abba Mohammed, Others are Grand Kadi Mohammed Danjuma, Danlami Senchi, Mohammed Abubakar, Hassan Sule, Amadi Ikechukwu, Peter Affen, Sybil Gbagi and Olasumbo OGoodluck.

Others are Justices Banjoko Ibironke, Hon. Olabode Adegbehingbe and Hon. Bola Ademola.

The council also recommended the appointment of Justice Salisu Garba as Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi as Chief Judge of Rivers.It further recommended the appointment of Hon. Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze as President of Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.

“All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective States Houses of Assembly”, the statement added.

The NJC said it had also at the meeting, deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges.

said the reports were presented by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

The Council said it decided to empanel an investigation Committee against one Judge and issued two strong warning letters against 2 Judges of the Federal and State High Courts.

It also resolved to set up a Medical Board to ascertain the health status of one Judge.

Others are Justices Aisha Aliyu as Chief Judge of Nassarawa State, Sunday Omeiza Otu as Chief Judge of Kogi, Umar Sadiq as Chief Judge of Jigawa, Ngene Elvis as Chief Judge of Ebonyi , and Theresa T. Diai as Chief Judge of Delta.

It further recommended the appointment of Justice a Elumeze as President of Customary Court of Appeal, Delta .

“All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Buhari, and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective States Houses of Assembly”, the council added.

More so, the NJC said it had also at the meeting, deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges.

Council said Justice Olokoba was also put on the watch list of the Council for his failure to deliver judgment within the Constitutional period of 90 days and Hon. Justice Savage was reprimanded for not being in charge of his Court.

“The remaining petitions were summarily dismissed for obvious and manifest lack of merit, being subjudice, overtaken by events or that such petitions were matters for appeal.

“The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Justices Rita Pemu, Ita G. Mbaba and Theresa Orji-Abadua all of Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal; Justices O. O. Oguntoyinbo and A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Anslem A. Nwaigwe, Chief Judge of Ebonyi , Justices M. A. Abubakar, Binta Rijau of Niger State High Court, Maurice Eneji of Cross River and Kulu Aliyu, Chief Judge, Zamfara

March 20, 2021
Wrongful dismissal suit: Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia floors NJC in court

The Federal High Court, Abuja has dismissed an objection raised by the National Judicial Council (NJC) against the hearing of the case instituted by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia challenging her dismissal.

Ruling on the matter on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed all the objections on the grounds that they were misplaced and that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s claim was misconstrued.

The NJC had, in 2018, dismissed Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court from the service of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) on grounds of alleged gross judicial misconduct.

Not satisfied with the NJC’s action, Justice Ofili- Ajumogobia approached the Federal High Court, Abuja challenging the process adopted by the fact-finding committee of the NJC that recommended her dismissal.

The judge asked the court to declare the report of the committee illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The dismissed judge maintained that her fundamental right to fair hearing was breeched in the way and manner she was dismissed from the court bench.

The NJC and other defendants in the matter, however, filed separate preliminary objections against the hearing of the suit on the grounds that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain such a matter.

The council held that, being a labour-related matter involving an employee, the judge ought to have gone to the National Industrial Court to ventilate her grievances.

The defendants; the Attorney-General of the Federation, President Muhammadu Buhari, Justice Olufemi Akinta, Justice Ishaq Bello and Justice Julieth Kentu denied the claim of denial of fair hearing alleged by the judge.

They also contended that the case was statute-barred having not been instituted within three months as required by the Public Officers Protection Act.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, in her counter-affidavit, prayed the court to dismiss the objection to her suit on the grounds that she was challenging the constitutionality of her dismissal.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo dismissed all the objections on the grounds that they were misplaced and that the claim of Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was misconstrued.

The Judge held that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia raised constitutional issues bordering on denial of fair hearing in the manner she was dismissed.

He further held that the case of the dismissed judge did not fall under the provision of the Public Officers Protection Act as claimed by the NJC and as such, was not statute-barred.

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The judge held that the plaintiff’s claim, being a constitutional matter, could only be heard by a Federal High Court and not the National Industrial Court as canvassed by the NJC.

The judge adjourned the matter until April 5,6 and 7, for hearing of the substantive matter.

January 19, 2021
NJC seeks sack of two judges over age falsification

Justice Abdulkareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq of the Osun State High Court and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State Grand Kadi Shu’aibu A. Talba, have been recommended for retirement with immediate effect by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Exercising of its disciplinary powers under the Constitution, the NJC has suspended both judicial officers from office pending the approval of the recommendation of their compulsory retirements by the governors in their respective states.

The Council took the decision at its 93rd virtual meeting on December 16, 2020, during which it rejected 18 petitions against 14 judges and equally recommended the appointment of 69 more.

NJC spokesman Soji Oye, who made these public in a statement yesterday, said the meeting also recommended the promotion of 70 council employees.

Talba, according to the statement, “was recommended for compulsory retirement following an investigation into a petition against him written by one Malam Zakar Adamu, Chairman, Movement for Justice in Nigeria, alleging that His Lordship falsified his age on two occasions, i.e. from 1st February, 1955 to 27th August, 1955 and later to 30th December, 1959.

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“Findings revealed that he was supposed to have retired on 1st February, 2020 by virtue of his declared date of birth of 1st February 1955.

“Council, after deliberation, decided to recommend His Lordship’s compulsory retirement to Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

“Furthermore, Council requested the Government of Yobe State to deduct all salaries received by His Lordship from 1st February, 2020 till date, from his gratuity, and remit same to the National Judicial Council that pays salaries of all Judicial Officers in the Federation.”

The NJC recommended Abdulrasaq’s compulsory retired after considering a petition written against him by Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN) and found merit in his allegation Justice Abdulrasaq “falsified his date of birth from 3rd September, 1955 to 3rd September, 1957.

“Council, therefore, recommended His Lordship’s compulsory retirement to Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State with effect from 3rd September, 2020. It also requested the Osun State Government to deduct from His Lordship gratuity; salaries received by him from 3rd September, 2020, and remit same to the National Judicial Council.”

Those against whom petitions were dismissed include: Justices Simon A. Amobeda, Taiwo O. Taiwo, Nnamdi Dimgba and R. O. Dugbo Oghoghorie (of the Federal High Court); T. O. Uloho and Michael N. Obi (of the Delta State High Court), and G. M. Onyeabo ( of the Lagos State High Court).

Others are: Justices A. I. Iyayi-Lamikanra ( Chief Judge, Rivers State), A. U. Kingsley-Chuku and Justice J. N. Ukpugwnum (of the River State High Court), F. B. Andetur (Chief Judge, Taraba State), Comfort C. Ani (Enugu State High Court), M. A. Pindiga (Gombe State High Court) and M. M. Umar (Kebbi State High Court).

The statement went further: “Similarly, Council considered the Report of the Interview Committee and recommended the appointment of 69 judicial officers as Heads of Court, Judges of High Court of states, Kadis of States/FCT Sharia Courts of Appeal and Judges of the Customary Courts of Appeal.

“In another development, Council also received and approved the Report of its Committee on Appointments, Promotion and Discipline which recommended the promotion of 70 members of staff of the NJC.

“The notifications of retirement of 12 judicial officers and notifications of death of three judges of federal and state courts were also received and noted by council.”

December 21, 2020
NJC recommends retirement of two judges, dismisses petitions against 18 others
The National Judicial Council has recommended the compulsory retirement of two judges and dismissed petitions against 18 others.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Information, Soji Oye, the decision followed NJC’s 93rd Meeting which held in Abuja virtually on December 16.

According to him, the affected judges are Hon. Grand Kadi, Shu’aibu A. Talba, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State and Hon. Justice Abdulkareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq of Osun State High Court.

“The National Judicial Council at its 93rd Meeting of 16th December 2020 held virtually has recommended the compulsory retirement of Hon. Grand Kadi, Shu’aibu A. Talba, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State and Hon. Justice Abdulkareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq of Osun State High Court with immediate effect,” the statement partly read.

“Similarly, Council considered the Report of the Interview Committee and recommended the appointment of Sixty-nine (69) Judicial Officers as Heads of Court, Judges of High Court of States, Kadis of States/FCT Sharia Courts of Appeal and Judges of the Customary Courts of Appeal.”

SEE FULL STATEMENT:

PRESS RELEASE

18th December, 2020
- NJC recommends the compulsory retirement of two Judicial Officers, dismisses petitions against 18 others;
- Recommends appointment of 69 (Sixty-Nine) Judicial Officers
The National Judicial Council at its 93rd Meeting of 16 December 2020 held virtually has recommended the compulsory retirement of Hon. Grand Kadi, Shu’aibu A. Talba, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State and Hon. Justice Abdulkareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq of Osun State High Court with immediate effect.

Hon. Grand Kadi Shu’aibu Talba

Hon. Grand Kadi Shu’aibu Talba was recommended for compulsory retirement following an investigation into a petition against him written by one Malam Zakar Adamu, Chairman, Movement for Justice in Nigeria, alleging that His Lordshipfalsified his age on two occasions, i.e. from 1st February, 1955 to 27th August, 1955 and later to 30th December, 1959.

Findings revealed that he was supposed to have retired on 1st February, 2020 by virtue of his declared date of birth of 1st February 1955.

Council, after deliberation, decided to recommend His Lordship’s compulsory retirement to Governor Mai Mala Buniof Yobe State. Furthermore, Council requested the Government of Yobe State to deduct all salaries received by His Lordship from 1st February, 2020 till date, from his gratuity, and remit same to the National Judicial Council that pays salaries of all Judicial Officers in the Federation.

HON. JUSTICE ABDUL-KAREEM BABATUNDE ABDULRASAQ

Council also considered a petition by Chief Yomi Alliyu, SAN, and found merit in his allegation against Hon. Justice Abdul-Kareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq that His Lordship falsified his date of birth from 3rd September, 1955 to 3rd September, 1957.

Council, therefore, recommended His Lordship’s compulsory retirement to Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State with effect from 3rd September, 2020. It also requested the Osun State Government to deduct from His Lordship gratuity, salaries received by him from 3rd September, 2020, and remit same to the National Judicial Council.

Meanwhile, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the National Judicial Council has suspended Hon. Grand Kadi Talba and Hon. Justice Abdul-Kareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq from office pending the approval of the recommendation of their compulsory retirements by their respective Governors.

REPORT OF PRELIMINARY COMPLAINTS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEES

Council also considered the Reports of its two Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees and agreed with the recommendations to dismiss Eighteen (18) petitions against the following fourteen (14) Judicial Officers:

Federal High Court

Hon. Justice Simon A. Amobeda,

Hon. Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo,

Hon. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba

Hon. Justice R. O. Dugbo Oghoghorie

Delta State High Court

Hon. Justice T. O. Uloho

Hon. Justice Michael N. Obi

Lagos State High Court

Hon. Justice G. M. Onyeabo

Rivers State High Court

Hon. Justice A. I. Iyayi-Lamikanra, Chief Judge, Rivers State

Hon. Justice A. U. Kingsley-Chuku

Hon. Justice J. N. Ukpugwnum

Taraba State High Court

Hon. Justice F. B. Andetur, Chief Judge, Taraba State

Enugu State High Court

Hon. Justice Comfort C. Ani

Gombe State High Court

Hon. Justice M. A. Pindiga

Kebbi State High Court

Hon. Justice M. M. Umar

INTERVIEW COMMITTEE

Similarly, Council considered the Report of the Interview Committee and recommended the appointment of Sixty-nine (69) Judicial Officers as Heads of Court, Judges of High Court of States, Kadis of States/FCT Sharia Courts of Appeal and Judges of the Customary Courts of Appeal.

In another development, Council also received and approved the Report of its Committee on Appointments, Promotion and Discipline which recommended the promotion of Seventy (70) Members of Staff of the National Judicial Council.

NOTIFICATIONS OF DEATH AND RETIREMENT OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS

The notifications of retirement of 12 Judicial Officers and notifications of death of three (3) Judges of Federal and State Courts were also received and noted by Council.

Soji Oye, Esq

Director, Information
December 21, 2020
NJC nominates Justice Dongban-Mensem for Buhari’s approval as A’Court president

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem and 68 others have been recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to President Muhammadu Buhari and governors for appointments.

The NJC recommended Justice Dongban-Mensem as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Dongban-Mensem is the Acting President of the court. She was sworn-in by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Muhammad on March 7, a day after President Buhari appointed her in that capacity.

NJC’s spokesman, Soji Oye, said in a statement that the request formed part of the decisions taken at the virtual meeting of members of the council on April 22 and 23.

The statement listed 69 others whose appointment as judges, the NJC recommended at the meeting.

The NJC recommended the appointment of 33 judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), eight for Lagos State High Court, five each for Delta and Kwara states’ High Courts and four for Kaduna State High Court.

It also recommended two each for Abia State High Court, Adamawa State High Court, Jigawa State High Court, Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal and Katsina State High Court.

The NJC equally recommended the appointment of presidents for the Customary Courts of Appeal in Abia and Oyo states, and, Grand Kadis for the Sharia Court of Appeal in Jigawa and Sokoto states.

Those recommended for the High Court of the FCT are: Muhammad Mustapha Adamu, Madugu Mohammed Alhaji, Josephine Obanor Enobie, Kayode Agunloye, Enenche Eleojo, Nwabulu Ngozika Chineze, Abubakar Babashani, Aminu Muhammad Abdullahi, Nwecheonwu Chinyere Elewe and Ibrahim Mohammed.

Others Sadia Mu’azu Mayana, Mimi Anne Katsina Alu-Apena, Kanyip Rosemary Indinya, Aliyu Yunusa Shafa, Mohammed Zubairu, Binta Dogonyaro, Christopher Opeyemi Oba, Adeyemi Ajayi Jadesola, Abubakar Husseini Musa, Adelaja Oluyemisi Ikeolupo, and Mohammed Idris Sani.

Also recommended are: Frances Erhuvwu Messiri, Fatima Abubakar Aliyu, Jude Ogor Onwuegbuzie, Hamza Mu’azu, Edward Ajenu E. Okpe, Agashieze Cyprian Odinaka, Fashola Akeem Adebowale, Aliyu Halilu Ahmed, Hassan Maryam Aliyu. Hafsat Lawan Abba-Aliyu, Olufola Olufolashade Oshin and Njideka K. Nwosu-Iheme.

For the Lagos State High Court are: Olatokun Dorcas Taiwo, Oshoala Yhaqub Gbadebo, Olukolu Rasul, Oguntade Omotola Ibironke, Olaitan Sharafa Abioye, Pokanu Adeniyi, Ashade Ezekiel Oluwole and Sule Amzat Olufunke.

Those recommended for Delta State High Court are: Aaron Ighoverio, Emmanuel Zimi Dolo, Onome Marshal Umukoro, Agboje Veronica Oka and Enenmo Onyeawuli Ferdinard.

Olanipekun Sherifat Bola, Funsho Dada Lawal, Hussein Toyin Kawu, Nureni Kuranga and Umar Zikki Jibril were recommended for Kwara State High Court and Amina Ahmad Bello, Ambo Yakubu John, Andow Edward and Rabi Salisu Oladoja, for Kaduna State High Court.

Adam Salihu Yarima and Muhammed Adam Makiyu were recommended for appointment as Kadis of Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State, while Muhammad Ashiru Sani and Safiya Umar Badamasi were recommended as judges of the state’s High Court.

For Adamawa State High Court, Musa Usman and Kyanson Samuel Lawson were recommended for appointment as judges, while Musa Ubale and Hussaina Adamu Aliyu for Jigawa State High Court.

The NJC recommended Chiemezie Chido Nwakanma and Philomena Onyeje Nweka for appointment as judges for Abia State High Court; Hon. Kadi Muhammad Sani Salihu as Grand Kadi Sharia Court of appeal, Jigawa; Hon. Kadi Muhammad Tambari UsmanSharia Court of Appeal, Sokoto; Phoebe Eva Alvan Okoronkwo as President, Customary Court of Appeal, Abia State and Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi as President, Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.

April 27, 2020
Group cautions NJC over Judges seniority row in Enugu

An international human rights advocacy group under the aegis of the Igbo Oriental Think-tank has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take a second closer look at its position on the issue of seniority and ranking of judges in Enugu state, based on extant High Court Rules of the state.

The group in a press conference held in Enugu this afternoon noted that in the course of its advocacy and drive for equity, fairness, brotherliness and foster unity among the contending Nationalities in Nigeria, especially among the peoples of the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, especially Enugu State, they discovered a sensitive issue that bothered on the “seniority amongst the Enugu State High Court Judges”.

According its Coordinating Secretary, Dr Kenneth Anozie, “…we took a personal study of it, with relevant instant laws as our guide. Our objective was to unravel the truth, and ensure that the Rule of Law is followed to the letter in other to ensure equity and Justice.

In the 3-page statement, Dr Anozie disclosed that the advocacy group discovered that the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria had in a letter ref No AJC/S.3/XXIV/147 dated Oct 12, 1998 approved and communicated the then Provisional Ruling Council’s appointment of a list of eleven Judges in Enugu State to the then Military Administrator of the state.

The letter, Anozie pointed out, stated clearly that “the appointment of the following in order of precedence as Judges of Enugu State with effect from Sept 17, 1998. In the said letter these were the Judges approved “in order of precedence”; Benedict Egwuatu Agbata, Mrs N.P Emehulu, Fredrick Chukwuemeka Obieze, Kignsley Ngwu Udeh, Mrs Regina Obiageli Nwodo, Elvis Chile Ajaonu, Stanley Chuks Nnaji, Anthony Okechukwu Onovo, Reuben Nwajiobi Onuorah, Godwin Osita Anibueze and Raymond Ozoemena.

The group, in drawing the attention of the NJC, the Enugu State Government and the public to see and recognize Justice Anthony Okechukwu Onovo as the Number Two judicial officer of the state, next to the incumbent Chief Judge, stated that out of the eleven High Court Judges appointed same day alongside Onovo, only four remain active in the service today. While the other seven have either retired or are deceased. The four still active according to the “order of precedence” are; Hon Justice N.P Emehelu, (The incumbent Honourable Chief Judge of Enugu State), Hon Justice A.O Onovo, Hon Justice R.N Onuorah and Hon Justice A.R Ozoemena.

That in accordance with High Court Rules of Enugu State which states explicitly in Part 11, Section 7(3); “for the avoidance of doubt, where on the same day two or more persons are appointed to the office of a Judge, they shall have precedence in order in which they took their oath of office”

Based on this, it was therefore clear that Honourable Justice A. O. Onovo is number (2) in the ranking, based on all the relevant laws of Enugu State High Court Rules, and according to the letter of approval sent to the Military Administrator of Enugu State by the then Honorable Chief Justice of Nigeria on Oct 12,1998.

The Rights group bemoaned that in the course of its investigations discovered that the NJC based on a petition by Hon Justice A.R. Ozoemena has somehow waded into the matter and even given a position on the subject. That in its letter dated Dec 24, 2019 Ref. NJC/S.14/HC/EN/11/1/188 to the Chief Justice of Enugu State, Hon Justice N.P Emehelu, listing the “Order of seniority” as below:

Name. Date of call to the Bar

(1) Hon. Justice N. P. Emehelu. 1981

(2) Hon. Justice A. R. Ozoemena. 1983

(3) Hon. Justice R. N. Onuorah. 1984

(4) Hon. Justice A. O. Onovo. 1987

From the foregoing, the NJC and His Lordship, it would be seen did not take into cognizance the High Court Laws of Enugu State, which states categorically in Part 11, Section 7(3) “For the avoidance of doubt, where on the same day two or more persons are appointed to the office of a Judge they shall have precedence in the order in which they took their oath of office.”

The Igbo Oriental Think Tank noted that as a rights group founded on equity, good governance and Rule of Law demand that the right things need to be done. So that the Temple of Justice should not be seen as an arena to perpetrate injustice.

April 7, 2020
NJC recommends appointment of 33 judges

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 33 judicial officers including Chief Judges for six states.

NJC’s spokesman, Soji Oye made this public in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Oye said the appointments will affect Anambra, Kebbi, Cross River, Zamfara, Ogun, Osun, Rivers, Imo, Sokoto, Ekiti and Niger states.

Those recommended for appointment as Chief Judges are: Justice Onochie Manasseh Anyachebelu (for Anambra State); Justice Mohammed Suleiman Ambursa (Kebbi) and Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme (Cross River).

Others are Kadi Umaru Muhammad Gusau (as Grand Kadi, Zamfara State Sharia Court of Appeal; Justice Mobolaji Ayodele Ojo (as President, Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State and Justice Foluke Eunice Awolalu (as President, Customery Court of Appeal, Osun State).

For the River State Hig Court, the NJC recommended the appointment of four judges.

They are: Stephens Dirialakeibama Jumbo, Chuku Mark Onyema, Ngbor-Abina Lemea and Fibresima Florence Atili.

Two were appointed for Ogun State High Court – Olufunmilayo O. Stanley and Olukemi Olusola Yetunde Oresanya.

For Imo State High Court, , the NJC recommended the appointment of seven judges.

They are Onyeka Vincent Ifeanyichukwu, Leweanya Kechinyere A., Victoria Chinyere Isiguzo, Vivian O. B. Ekezie, Eze Nonye Eke, Ihuoma Grace Chukwunyere, and Ibeawuchi Edith Chinyere.

Three were recommended for Sokoto State High Court. They are: Aminu Garba Sifawa, Mohammed Mohammed and Raliya Uthman Muhammad.

One was recommended for Ekiti State High Court. He is Obafemi Makanju Fasanmi.

Three were recommended for Niger State High Court. They are Salisu Alhassan Majidadi, Binta Bawa and Danladi Ahmad.
For Ogun State High Court, three were recommended. They are Michael Kolawole Peters, Anthony Olusesan Araba and Adebisi Olusola Femi-Segun.

The NJC equally recommended the appointment of two judges for the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal.
They are Obichere Ijeoma Josephine and Nze Ifeanyi Tennyson.

It also recommended on judge for the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, in the person of Amadi Ericonda, while it recommended Bello Khalid Jega for appointment as Kadi for Kebbi State Sharia Court of Appeal.

Oye said: “All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by their respective State Governors and
confirmation by the respective State House of Assembly.”

December 19, 2019
NJC applauds Buhari for accepting Onnoghen’s retirement

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for accepting the voluntary retirement of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

It gave the commendation at its emergency meeting yesterday, during which members deliberated on the President’s decision in relation to Justice Onnoghen’s exit from the Bench.

President Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had, in a statement on Sunday, said: “President Buhari has accepted the voluntary retirement from service of Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, effective from May 28, 2019.

“The President thanked Justice Onnoghen for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best of retirement life.”

NJC’s spokesman, Soji Oye, said in a statement that members of the judicial body noted that Buhari’s acceptance of Onnoghen’s retirement was in line with its recommendation to the President on April 3.

The statement reads: “The NJC held an Emergency Meeting today (yesterday) to take formal note of the acceptance of the voluntary retirement of Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON, as Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“The President’s acceptance of the retirement is in line with Council’s recommendation to the President on 3rd April, 2019.

“Council at the end of its deliberations thanked the President for the acceptance which was in the best interest of Nigeria.”

He claim that Buhari’s acceptance of Onnoghen’s retirement was part of its recommendations creates doubt as to the actual position of the NJC on the issue.

The NJC had, after concluding its investigation of allegations of “financial impropriety and infidelity to the constitution” raised against Onnoghen in a petition by the economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), kept sealed lips on its findings, but announced that it has sent its recommendations to the President.

In their recent response to a suit by the Incorporated Trustees of Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation, challenging Buhari’s appointment of Justice Ibrahim Muhammad as acting CJN, the President and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) disclosed that the NJC recommended Onnghen’s compulsory retirement.

They stated that NJC’s recommendation that Onnoghen be compulsorily retired preceded his retirement letter to the President on April 4, 2019.

June 11, 2019
BREAKING: NJC extends Acting CJN’s appointment

The National Judicial Council said it has extended the appointment of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad for another three months.

The NJC, in a statement earlier today, said it took the decision at its 88th Meeting held last Thursday.

NJC’s spokesman, Soji Oye said, in the statement, that the extension was at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari, who made a request to that effect.

The statement reads: “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to an online newspaper and daily newspaper report stating that the Council would meet next week to deliberate on the extension of the Acting Appointment of Honourable Dr. Justice I. T. Muhammad CFR, as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“Contrary to the above, the Council actually met on Thursday 18th April, 2019 and at the 88th Meeting considered and approved the request of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for the extension of the appointment of Hon. Dr. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR, as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria for another three (3) months and council has since forwarded its approval to the President.”

April 20, 2019
Revealed! What NJC told Buhari to do to Onnoghen

The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Wednesday recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen, based on “incontrovertible” findings on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC).

It asked President Muhammadu Buhari to give effect to the recommendation immediately.

But the NJC urged the President to allow Justice Onnoghen retain his seat as a former CJN in the Council of State.

The council also said the CJN should be retired with full benefits.

According to a source, who pleaded not to be named “because of the sensitivity of the matter”, the compulsory retirement of Justice Onnoghen was the major highlight of NJC’s meeting yesterday.

All NJC members were said to have decided not to comment on the meeting because “it would not be right to do so when a letter has been sent to the President on their decision.” He should get the letter before any comment, the source said.

The source said: “The NJC has been able to navigate the most challenging moment for the nation’s judiciary by recommending compulsory retirement of Onnoghen with full benefits.

“The NJC specifically demanded that the CJN be allowed to take his eminent position in the Council of State like his predecessors.

“If these recommendations are accepted, the Executive may be on the same page with the Judiciary by staying action on the ongoing trial and other pending trials of the CJN.”

The NJC may have adopted a “win-win approach” to ensure that the Executive and the Judiciary are on the same page.”

Another source familiar with how the NJC arrived at its decision said the “EFCC’s report on Justice Onnoghen was damning and incontrovertible”.

The anti-graft agency accused the CJN of “being in possession of funds which are fairly not attributable to his known, provable and legitimate source of income”.

The opening of a dollar account in Standard Chartered Bank for the CJN by a lawyer, Joe Agi, with $30,000 was said to be unhealthy.

The EFCC had accused Justice Onnoghen of being unable to account for curious deposits in his accounts.

The anti-graft commission alleged that deposits had accumulated to $1,716, 000.

The amounts in the said account were deposited as follows: $74,200 (2009); $291,800 (2010); $340,000 (2011); $625,000 (2012); $298,000 (2013); $40,000 (2015) and $47,000 (2016). The total was $1,716,000.

The agency also accused Justice Onnoghen of depositing $1,716,000 in a United States dollar account operated with the Standard Chartered Bank in 2009, marked as exhibit P4 C, between 2009 and 2016.

The petition said: “From the evidence on record, it is clear that the Respondent failed to declare all the accounts and funds in exhibit P4-P4D when he declared his 2014 asset in November 2016. Your lordship will observe that the Respondent only declared his salary account with the Union Bank exhibit P3 and failed to declare P4-P4D, which are the accounts that warehoused funds that are far above the Respondent’s known and provable lawful income.

“My lords, by the provisions of Rule 1.2 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, it is clear that because members of the public expect a high standard of conduct from a judge, the Respondent is under the obligation to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities both in his professional and private life. It is our submission my lords, that any conduct of the Respondent that give rise to the appearance of impropriety is a judicial misconduct and same is punishable under the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

“It is our humble submission that the petitioner proved before this Honourable Panel that the Respondent was in possession of funds which are fairly not attributable to his known, proveable and legitimate source of income. The evidence shows that my lord earned a monthly salary in the sum of N750,819.87, which is about N9,000,000.00 per annum. My lords, as shown in exhibit P10A page 14 paragraph XXVI, the Respondent only earned the sum of N91,962,362.49 as salary between September 2005 and October 2016. It is also on record that the exhibit P3 is the salary account of my lord wherein his salaries are paid.

“My lords, the evidence before this Honourable Committee shows clearly that the Respondent opened United State Dollars account with the Standard Chartered Bank in 2009, exhibit P4 C. This USD account was opened by Mr. Joe Agi SAN and the first cash depositor of United States of America dollars into the said account. We humbly refer my lords to the entry of the 29th day of June,2009.

“Though the Respondent claimed that he was the one who gave the learned SAN, Joe Agi the $30,000.00 to deposit to exhibit P4C, the Respondent could not give any reasonable explanation as to the source of this money. My lords, the Respondent admitted under cross-examination that the USD was not his salary and that he only received dollars as estacodes which is meant for his official trips.

“My lords, upon the opening of the USD account exhibit P4C, a lot of cash deposits in Dollars were made to this account. The evidence before my lords is that between 2009 and 2016 a lot of cash deposits were made into exhibit P4C.

“My lords, from the evidence before this Honourable Panel, it is clear that these huge sums of money were not earned by the Respondent as his salaries and allowances. It is our humble submission that the burden of proving the legitimate source or origin of the sum of $1,716,000.00 lies heavily on the Respondent.”

The amounts in the said account were deposited as follows: $74,200 (2009); $291,800 (2010); $340,000 (2011); $625,000 (2012); $298,000 (2013); $40,000 (2015) and $47,000 (2016). The total was $1,716,000.

April 4, 2019