January 15, (THEWILL) — The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, alongside 35 other candidates for various judicial offices nationwide.
The recommendations were made at the Council’s 110th meeting, which concluded on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Oyewole, currently the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, was the sole nominee recommended for elevation to the apex court. Born in May 1965 and hailing from Ila-Orangun, Osun State, his elevation is expected to fill the South-West vacancy created by the retirement of former Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
As part of efforts to strengthen judicial capacity, the Council approved the appointment of 27 new judges to State High Courts across Borno, Niger, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Ekiti States. Additionally, six Kadis were recommended for Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba, and Katsina, while two judges were approved for the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
All recommendations followed a rigorous screening process conducted in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.
In a significant move to protect judicial independence, the Council cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations involving financial recklessness and judicial misconduct.
The Council upheld the findings of an investigation committee that found no evidence to support claims of misappropriation or breach of the Code of Conduct. Similarly, a petition against Delta State High Court judge, Justice Gentu E. Timi, was dismissed after the petitioner formally withdrew the complaint.
The Council also reversed a one-year suspension without pay previously imposed on Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, citing procedural irregularities.
On administrative matters, the NJC extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months, while urging Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently constitute the State Judicial Service Commission to allow for a substantive appointment.
The meeting concluded with the approval of the voluntary retirement of two senior judicial officers, including Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
The NJC reiterated its commitment to accountability, dismissing 26 of 39 reviewed petitions for lack of merit while issuing cautions to two judges regarding the indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders.
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