The National Judicial Council, NJC, has recommended the appointment of 12 new justices for the Court of Appeal as part of efforts to strengthen the judiciary and improve justice delivery across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday after its 111th meeting held on May 13, the council said the recommendations were made under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to the NJC, the recommended justices are Yakubu Abdulhameed Mohammed, Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Elias Ojije, Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer, Shuaibu Sabiu Bala, Omotosho James Kolawole, Nwite Emeka, Buba Dauda Njane, Kado Sanusi, Ademola Enikuomehin and Dadom Julcit Veronica.
The council also recommended Christine Clement Ende for appointment as a judge of the Benue State High Court.
In addition, Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended for appointment as kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The NJC disclosed that the consideration of Yakubu and Daura had earlier been stepped down following a petition challenging their eligibility on the grounds that they had previously retired from public service.
However, after reviewing the matter, the council proceeded with their recommendation.
The appointment of additional justices to the Court of Appeal is expected to boost the capacity of the appellate court, which has continued to face increasing caseloads across its divisions nationwide.
The Court of Appeal occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s judicial structure as it handles appeals arising from federal and state high courts, election petition tribunals and other lower courts.
Legal experts have consistently raised concerns over delays in the hearing and determination of appeals, blaming the development on inadequate judicial manpower and rising litigation.
Observers say the latest recommendations by the NJC could help reduce the burden on existing justices and accelerate the dispensation of cases, including politically sensitive and high-profile matters.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional process, the recommendations of the NJC are expected to be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for approval and subsequent transmission to the Senate for confirmation where necessary.
The council’s 111th meeting also reportedly considered other judicial and administrative matters affecting courts across the federation.
