Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has published the full list of 48 judicial officers nominated for possible appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal, formally opening the public scrutiny phase of the selection process.
The list, which cuts across state High Courts, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal, was released as part of a statutory procedure that allows members of the public to submit comments on the integrity, reputation and suitability of each nominee.
According to the process outlined by the FJSC, the nominations will undergo further screening, after which a shortlist will be forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe NJC will then conduct interviews and final vetting before recommending successful candidates to the President for appointment, subject to Senate confirmation. Only 12 nominees are expected to be appointed to fill existing vacancies on the Court of Appeal bench.
Nationwide Spread, Diverse Judicial Backgrounds
The nominees reflect broad geographic and institutional representation, with candidates drawn from Benue, Plateau, Gombe, Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos and Ondo states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Several nominees are currently serving in federal courts, while others come from specialised courts, highlighting an effort to strengthen the appellate bench with varied judicial experience.
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Full List of Nominees
- Hon. Justice Ibrahim I. Mohammed – High Court, Benue State
- Hon. Justice Augustine Lorhemen Ityonyiman – High Court, Benue State
- Hon. Justice Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer – High Court, Benue State
- Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse – High Court, Benue State
- Hon. Justice Jacob Azi Atsen – Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State
- Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom – Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State
- Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam – Federal High Court
- Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet – High Court, Plateau State
- Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu – High Court, Gombe State
- Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar – High Court, Gombe State
- Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna – High Court, Gombe State
- Hon. Justice Daurabo Suleiman Sikkam – High Court, Gombe State
- Hon. Justice Nuhu Swuenti Adi – High Court, Taraba State
- Hon. Justice Rosemary Indinya Kanyip – FCT High Court
- Hon. Justice John Danladi Yakubu – High Court, Taraba State
- Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba – High Court, Taraba State
- Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado – National Industrial Court of Nigeria
- Hon. Justice Safiya Badamasi Umar, SAN – High Court, Katsina State
- Hon. Kadi Adam Salihu Yarima – Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina State
- Hon. Justice Ibrahim Abubakar Maude – High Court, Katsina State
- Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu – High Court, Kebbi State
- Hon. Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan – FCT High Court
- Hon. Justice Abubakar Saddiq Bello – High Court, Kebbi State
- Hon. Justice Shamsudeen Ja’afar – High Court, Kebbi State
- Hon. Justice Vincent Nwali Nwanchor – High Court, Ebonyi State
- Hon. Justice Thelma Adanna Achom – High Court, Ebonyi State
- Hon. Justice Esther Awo Ota – High Court, Ebonyi State
- Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite – Federal High Court
- Hon. Justice Raphael Ajuwa – High Court, Bayelsa State
- Hon. Justice Ebiyerin Goodness Omukoro – High Court, Bayelsa State
- Hon. Justice Simon Warikiyei Amaduobogha – High Court, Bayelsa State
- Hon. Justice Patience Ama Zoufa – High Court, Bayelsa State
- Hon. Justice Abua Elias Ojie – High Court, Cross River State
- Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agianpuye Ubua – High Court, Cross River State
- Hon. Justice Ibitham Ukpai Abba – High Court, Cross River State
- Hon. Justice Obo Awusa Obo – High Court, Cross River State
- Hon. Justice Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin – Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State
- Hon. Justice Jubril Babajide Kolapo Aladejana – High Court, Ekiti State
- Hon. Justice Lucas Olukayode Ogundana – High Court, Ekiti State
- Hon. Justice Olusegun Isaac Ogunyemi – High Court, Ekiti State
- Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho – Federal High Court
- Hon. Justice Ogunfowora Olugboboye – High Court, Ogun State
- Hon. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro – High Court, Lagos State
- Hon. Justice Olufunke Sule-Amzat – High Court, Lagos State
- Hon. Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay – High Court, Ondo State
- Hon. Justice Orimisan James Koroisade – Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
- Hon. Justice Akinfenwa Michael Owoyemi – Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
- Hon. Justice Ademola Enikumehin – Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
Strengthening the Appellate Bench
The Court of Appeal plays a critical role in Nigeria’s justice system as the intermediate appellate court between the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Legal observers say the proposed appointments are expected to ease workload pressures, reduce case backlogs and enhance the speed of justice delivery nationwide.
The FJSC has urged the public to submit any petitions or observations within the stipulated period, stressing that only substantiated claims relating to character and professional conduct will be considered as the appointment process continues.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
