The National Judicial Council 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.
The recommendations were announced in a statement issued on Thursday after the council’s 111th meeting held on May 13 under the chairmanship of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to the council, the appointments are aimed at filling vacancies created by the elevation and retirement of judicial officers.
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.
Additionally, Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended for appointment as kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The NJC said consideration of Yakubu and Daura had initially been suspended following petitions questioning their eligibility due to previous retirement from public service.
However, the council clarified that the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit retired public servants from being appointed into judicial positions.
READ ALSO:Â CJN swears in 18 new Appeal Court judges Monday
It added that a new policy had been adopted requiring retired public servants seeking judicial appointments to have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age.
The policy also mandates applicants to disclose criminal records, employment history, financial status and any existing employment obligations.
Meanwhile, the council extended the appointment of Ijeoma Agugua as acting chief judge of Imo State for another three months.
On disciplinary matters, the NJC dismissed appeals filed by eight judges of the Imo State judiciary who challenged their compulsory retirement over allegations of age falsification.
The council, however, reinstated T.I. Nze of the Imo Customary Court of Appeal after reviewing fresh evidence presented before its committee.
The affected judges had previously been found guilty of altering their dates of birth in official records to unlawfully extend their years in service.
In another disciplinary decision, the council suspended Ibrahim Shekarau and Edward Okpe for one year without pay over judicial misconduct.