NJC submits 14 candidates for appointment as Federal High Court Judges

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has forwarded the names of 14 lawyers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.

The recommendation comes after the completion of security screenings for the shortlisted candidates, a process that delayed the submission of their names following the Council’s 110th meeting held in January.

The meeting was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, where the successful candidates were initially approved for appointment.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Deputy Director of Information of the NJC, Mrs Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, explained that the Council had withheld forwarding the names pending the receipt of security reports on the nominees.

According to her, the NJC received the reports with no adverse findings against any of the candidates, prompting the Council to formally transmit their names to the President on January 22, 2026.

Among those recommended is the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Suleiman Amida Hassan.

Others on the list are Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela, Galumje Edingah, Ibrahim Vera Eneabo, Abubakar Musa Usman, and Salihu Aisha Yunusa.

The remaining nominees are Ikpeme Joy Bassey, Shehu Umaru Adamu, Mohammed Ibrahim Buba, Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith, Usoro Kuyik Uduak, and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.

The appointments, once approved by the President, are expected to strengthen the manpower capacity of the Federal High Court.