The Court of Appeal of Nigeria has reportedly released a fresh 2026 posting list affecting several divisions across the country, according to judicial sources, although the official document is yet to be obtained by TheNigeriaLawyer.

However, it was learnt that the latest reshuffle, carried out under the Head of the Court of Appeal (HPCA), includes the posting of a new Presiding Justice to the Owerri Division.

Sources familiar with the development said the affected Presiding Justice, Hon. Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud, was moved from the Yola Division of the Court of Appeal before her reported redeployment to Owerri.

It was further gathered that two other Justices were also posted from different divisions, bringing the number of Justices at the Owerri Division to four, in addition to those already on ground.

Consequently, the development is expected to affect court operations in the division, as all cases already adjourned for hearing may remain on hold pending the resumption of the new Presiding Justice and the issuance of administrative directives on case allocation and hearing schedules.

Meanwhile, judicial developments in 2026 also reflect a wider restructuring of the appellate court system.

In January 2026, the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended the elevation of Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, then Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, to the Supreme Court. He was subsequently sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on February 25, 2026, creating a consequential vacancy within the Court of Appeal.

As part of broader judicial appointments, a list of 48 nominees was earlier compiled to fill Court of Appeal vacancies across 12 states, including Benue, Plateau, Gombe, and Taraba. The list is expected to be pruned to 12 final appointees before a swearing-in date is fixed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Earlier in February 2026, 14 new Federal High Court judges were sworn in at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, while the Supreme Court was also strengthened following the swearing-in of Justice Oyewole.

______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

________________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com