April 19, 2026 / News / SUNTV Global Channel
The (FJSC) has recommended 12 judges for elevation to the Court of Appeal, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s judicial appointment process.
The development was disclosed in an official document shared by , a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.
According to the document, a total of 48 names were initially submitted by the President of the Court of Appeal, in line with established judicial guidelines requiring a shortlist that is double the number of available positions.
Following its review, the Commission selected 12 priority candidates for onward transmission to the (NJC), which will make the final decisions on their appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal.
The FJSC stated that the selection process was carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Revised NJC Guidelines governing judicial appointments.
The recommended judges, drawn from across the federation, include:
- Bayelsa State: Hon. Justice Raphael Ajuwa
- Benue State: Hon. Justice Ijohor M. Jennifer
- Cross River State: Hon. Justice Abua Elias Ojie
- Ebonyi State: Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite
- Ekiti State: Hon. Justice Abodunde M. Oluwatoyin
- Gombe State: Hon. Justice Abdulhameed M. Yakubu
- Katsina State: Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado
- Kebbi State: Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu
- Ogun State: Hon. Justice James K. Omotosho
- Ondo State: Hon. Justice Ademola Enikuomehin
- Plateau State: Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom
- Taraba State: Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba
The recommendations will now be reviewed by the NJC, which is responsible for screening and approving candidates for judicial elevation in Nigeria.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary and ensure merit-based appointments to one of the country’s most critical courts.
Legal analysts say the final decision by the NJC will play a key role in shaping the composition and effectiveness of the Court of Appeal in the coming years.
