JSC Releases Long List of Judicial Candidates, Upholds Integrity Standards in Nigeria’s Judiciary Appointments
Abuja, Nigeria — February 3, 2026 — The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has taken decisive steps in advancing judicial appointments with a long list of 48 judges nominated for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench — a key move in reinforcing the quality and credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary. The announcement also reflects continued efforts to strengthen transparency and integrity in the nation’s judicial personnel selection process.
Expanding the Bench with Qualified Candidates
FJSC’s latest nomination list names 48 judges selected for possible appointment to the Court of Appeal, part of Nigeria’s superior courts system. These nominees were carefully evaluated based on their judicial performance, legal experience and adherence to professional standards — an important milestone that aligns with reforms to improve efficiency and access to justice nationwide.
The Court of Appeal plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s legal framework by handling appeals from lower courts and ensuring legal consistency across the federation. Filling vacancies on this bench is therefore essential for reducing case backlogs, improving judicial service delivery, and reinforcing public confidence in the judicial process.
Integrity and Transparency Remain Priority Values
In recent months, the FJSC’s appointment processes have been under intense public attention — not least due to the screening of candidates for the Federal High Court bench, where 28 lawyers were shortlisted from an earlier pool of 62 applicants after rigorous evaluation. This followed a public feedback exercise and the application of integrity criteria as part of efforts to ensure that only those of commendable character advance to judicial service.
Though some news reports previously suggested that 34 nominees had “failed” an integrity test, the National Judicial Council (NJC) clarified that all assessments were conducted by the FJSC at the preliminary stage and that no NJC decisions had yet been taken on candidates at that point.
These developments underscore a renewed focus on merit, reputation and ethical fitness in appointing judicial officers — a key aspect of strengthening the rule of law and institutional credibility in Nigeria’s justice sector.
Why This Matters for Nigeria Forward
1. Enhancing Judicial Quality & Fairness — By nominating experienced jurists and subjecting candidates to thorough screening, the FJSC supports quality adjudication and public trust in court outcomes.
2. Supporting Judicial Efficiency — Filling appellate court vacancies helps clear case backlogs and improves the speed and reliability of justice delivery across regions.
3. Promoting Accountability & Integrity — The use of transparent screening and public feedback mechanisms reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to ethical standards and institutional accountability — cornerstones of democratic governance.
These policy-aligned actions reflect ongoing efforts to fortify Nigeria’s judicial framework — ensuring that the courts remain impartial, effective, and responsive to the needs of citizens and investors alike.
Complete List of Nominees
1. Hon. Justice Ibrahim I. Mohammed — High Court, Benue State
2. Hon. Justice Augustine Lorhemen Ityonyiman — High Court, Benue State
3. Hon. Justice Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer — High Court, Benue State
4. Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse — High Court, Benue State
5. Hon. Justice Jacob Azi Atsen — Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State
6. Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom — Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State
7. Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam — Federal High Court
8. Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet — High Court, Plateau State
9. Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu — High Court, Gombe State
10. Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar — High Court, Gombe State
11. Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna — High Court, Gombe State
12. Hon. Justice Daurabo Suleiman Sikkam — High Court, Gombe State
13. Hon. Justice Nuhu Swuenti Adi — High Court, Taraba State
14. Hon. Justice Rosemary Indinya Kanyip — FCT High Court
15. Hon. Justice John Danladi Yakubu — High Court, Taraba State
16. Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba — High Court, Taraba State
17. Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado — National Industrial Court of Nigeria
18. Hon. Justice Safiya Badamasi Umar, SAN — High Court, Katsina State
19. Hon. Kadi Adam Salihu Yarima — Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State
20. Hon. Justice Ibrahim Abubakar Maude — High Court, Katsina State
21. Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu — High Court, Kebbi State
22. Hon. Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan — FCT High Court
23. Hon. Justice Abubakar Saddiq Bello — High Court, Kebbi State
24. Hon. Justice Shamsudeen Ja’afar — High Court, Kebbi State
25. Hon. Justice Vincent Nwali Nwanchor — High Court, Ebonyi State
26. Hon. Justice Thelma Adanna Achom — High Court, Ebonyi State
27. Hon. Justice Esther Awo Ota — High Court, Ebonyi State
28. Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite — Federal High Court
29. Hon. Justice Raphael Ajuwa — High Court, Bayelsa State
30. Hon. Justice Ebiyerin Goodness Omukoro — High Court, Bayelsa State
31. Hon. Justice Simon Warikiyei Amaduobogha — High Court, Bayelsa State
32. Hon. Justice Patience Ama Zoufa — High Court, Bayelsa State
33. Hon. Justice Abua Elias Ojie — High Court, Cross River State
34. Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agianpuye Ubua — High Court, Cross River State
35. Hon. Justice Ibitham Ukpai Abba — High Court, Cross River State
36. Hon. Justice Obo Awusa Obo — High Court, Cross River State
37. Hon. Justice Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin — Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State
38. Hon. Justice Jubril Babajide Kolapo Aladejana — High Court, Ekiti State
39. Hon. Justice Lucas Olukayode Ogundana — High Court, Ekiti State
40. Hon. Justice Olusegun Isaac Ogunyemi — High Court, Ekiti State
41. Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho — Federal High Court
42. Hon. Justice Ogunfowora Olugboboye — High Court, Ogun State
43. Hon. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro — High Court, Lagos State
44. Hon. Justice Olufunke Sule-Amzat — High Court, Lagos State
45. Hon. Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay — High Court, Ondo State
46. Hon. Justice Orimisan James Koroisade — Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
47. Hon. Justice Akinfenwa Michael Owoyemi — Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
48. Hon. Justice Ademola Enikumehin — Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
