Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended two judges and recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal following its 111th meeting held in Abuja on 13 May 2026.
According to the council’s official statement, the disciplinary and appointment decisions were taken after the review of multiple petitions, performance assessments, and investigations involving judicial officers across Nigeria.
The suspended judges were sanctioned for one year without pay over findings of misconduct in separate cases. One of the cases involved allegations of breach of due process and improper handling of an ex parte order, while another involved alleged violation of fair hearing principles in a matrimonial dispute.
The council stated that its findings followed investigations by its committees, which reviewed petitions submitted against judicial officers and examined whether procedures were properly followed in the handling of court matters.
In addition to the disciplinary actions, the NJC recommended 12 judges for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal, forwarding the list to the President for final approval in line with constitutional requirements governing judicial appointments in Nigeria.
The recommended appointments are part of efforts to fill existing vacancies in the appellate court system and strengthen the judiciary’s capacity to handle increasing caseloads across the country.
The council also reviewed a wider set of petitions and performance reports involving judicial officers nationwide. Reports indicate that dozens of petitions were dismissed for lack of merit, while others were referred for further investigation or disciplinary action.
In the same sitting, the NJC issued performance-related notices to a large number of judges and commended others for meeting expected standards in judgment delivery and case management efficiency.
Judicial authorities described the decisions as part of ongoing internal reforms aimed at improving discipline, transparency, and public confidence in the judiciary. The council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, continues to function as the body responsible for appointment recommendations, discipline, and oversight of judicial officers.
The latest actions come amid broader scrutiny of judicial performance in Nigeria, where concerns around case delays, ethical compliance, and procedural consistency have prompted periodic reviews and sanctions within the system.
Stone Reporters note that the NJC’s dual decision—disciplinary action against serving judges and elevation of new judicial officers—reflects its constitutional mandate to both enforce standards and manage judicial career progression.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments