*Reverses Suspension Of Court Of Appeal Justice Jane Inyang, Clears Osun CJ of Misconduct Allegations
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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, currently the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, for elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The announcement highlights a series of judicial appointments and decisions taken at the NJC’s 110th meeting, held on January 13 under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
In addition to Oyewole’s nomination, the council approved 27 candidates for appointment as judges of state high courts across seven states: Borno (6), Niger (4), Benue (1), Taraba (1), Plateau (6), Delta (4), and Ekiti (5). The NJC also endorsed six Kadis for the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger (3), Taraba (2), and Katsina (1), as well as two judges for the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.
Full List of Recommended Candidates
Supreme Court:
- Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole
Borno State High Court (6):
- Mustapha Mallam Babagana
- Hadiza Grema Mustapha
- James Peter Bwala
- Zannah Tijjani Babakura
- Alkali Umar Alhaji
- Dunoma Yahaya Alhaji
Plateau State High Court (6):
- Maikai Andrawus
- Kparbong Tongret Nanman
- Nkwap Diane Ngummai
- Mantu John Ishaku
- Bature Gavou Musa
- Mallam Kingsley Mangai
Ekiti State High Court (5):
- Adegoke Olanike Caroline
- Bamise Julius Sunday Bamidele
- Ajibare Julius
- Akinyede Stephen Rotimi
- Anoma Adefunke Helen
Niger State High Court (4):
- Abubakar Adamu
- Ahmed Bala Ndajiwo
- Sa’adatu Gambo Abubakar
- Wushishi Sulaiman Buhari
Delta State High Court (4):
- Otite Jonah Akporuaro
- Sam-Oligida Jereoma
- Ukuli Boeye Irene
- Adamidenyo Otome Benjamin
Taraba State High Court (1):
- Babagari Mansura Mohammed
Niger State Sharia Court of Appeal (3 Kadis):
- Aboki Usman Abdulrahman
- Mohammed Ya’aba
- Muhammad Nasir Ibrahim
Taraba State Sharia Court of Appeal (2 Kadis):
- Yakubu Muhammad
- Aliyu Yahaya Abubakar
Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal (1 Kadi):
- Mutawakkil Mustapha Salis
Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (2 Judges):
- Ojeikere Bridget Onome
- Okah Stella Ovuoriero
These recommendations followed a rigorous screening process, including consideration of public complaints and interviews conducted by a seven-member committee, in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines for Judicial Appointments.
The NJC also extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months, while urging Governor Hope Uzodimma to promptly constitute the State Judicial Service Commission to enable a substantive appointment. The council stressed the importance of this step for judicial stability and independence.
In another decision, the NJC exonerated the Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations bordering on financial recklessness, diversion of funds and misconduct. The investigation committee dismissed petitions filed by judiciary staff, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Attorney-General, finding no evidence to substantiate the claims.
The council also dismissed a petition against a judge of the Delta State High Court, Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi, over a chieftaincy dispute in Idumuje-Ugboko, following the withdrawal of the petition after the matter was resolved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Additionally, the NJC reversed the one-year suspension earlier imposed on Court of Appeal Justice Jane E. Inyang for granting improper ex parte orders, ruling that the petition was statute-barred and that the substantive decision was already on appeal.
Out of 39 petitions reviewed, the council dismissed 26 for lack of merit, ordered investigations into seven, and issued cautions to two judicial officers. It also reiterated warnings against the abuse of ex parte orders and advised heads of courts against assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
NJC PRESS STATEMENT OF 14 JANUARY 2026On retirements, the NJC approved the voluntary retirement of Acting Grand Kadi Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal and Presiding Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel-Kalio of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division. Abdullahi reportedly passed away shortly after submitting his notice.
The council also announced the deaths of two judicial officers between November and December 2025: Hon. Justice Oluwayemisi Ikeolupo Adelaja of the FCT High Court and Hon. Justice U. I. Abdullahi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, extending condolences to their families and the legal community.
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