The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has nominated 22 justices from the Court of Appeal to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for potential elevation to the Supreme Court.
The list, comprising nominees from various regions, includes six from the North-Central, two each from the South-West and South-South, two from the North-East, and six from the South-East. This diversification underscores the Commission’s commitment to regional representation in the apex court.
Following the retirement of Justice Amina Augie in September 2023, the Supreme Court currently operates with 11 justices. Justice Augie’s retirement, as mandated by the age of 70, prompted the need for new appointments, aligning with ongoing efforts to strengthen and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.
The full list of nominated justices, categorized by regions and priority status, is detailed below:
SOUTH EAST
Hon Justice Nwaoma Uwa (Abia State) – Priority
1A. Hon Justice Onyekachi Otisi (Abia State) – Reserve
Hon Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ebonyi State) – Priority
2A. Hon Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua (Imo State) – Reserve
Hon Justice Anthony Ogakwu (Enugu State) – Priority
3A. Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-lheme (Imo State) – Reserve
SOUTH SOUTH
Hon Justice Moore Adumein (Bayelsa State) – Priority
1A. Hon Justice Biobele Georgewill (Rivers State) – Reserve
SOUTH WEST
Hon Justice Adewale Abiru (Lagos State) – Priority
1A. Hon Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (Osun State) – Reserve
NORTH CENTRAL
Hon Jummai Sankey (Plateau State) – Priority
1A. Hon Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau) – Reserve
Hon Justice Stephen Adah (Kogi State) – Priority
2A. Hon Justice Ridman Maiwada Abdullahi (Nassarawa State) – Reserve
Hon Justice Baba Idris (Niger State) – Priority
3A. Hon Justice Joseph Ikyegh (Benue State) – Reserve
NORTH EAST
Hon Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (Bauchi State) – Priority
1A. Hon Justice Abubakar Talba (Adamawa State) – Reserve
NORTH WEST
Hon Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu (Jigawa State) – Priority
1A. Hon Justice Bello Aliyu (Zamfara State) – Reserve
Hon Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (Kebbi State) – Priority
2A. Hon Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero (Kano State) – Reserve
This nomination signals a crucial step in the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s judiciary, emphasizing the dedication to a fair and representative Supreme Court.