The National Judicial Council has recommended the elevation of 12 justices to the Court of Appeal to fill vacancies arising from the elevation and retirement of judicial officers. The Council also rejected appeals from eight Imo State judges facing compulsory retirement for age falsification, while imposing one-year suspensions without pay on Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of Nasarawa State and Justice Edward Okpe of the FCT for judicial misconduct. The NJC also barred a serial petitioner, Yusuf Isa, from further presenting petitions to the Council.
Key Points:
- The NJC is strengthening appellate court capacity ahead of potential 2027 election litigation.
- Eight judges compulsorily retired over age falsification signals a crackdown on judicial dishonesty.
- Two judges were suspended for misconduct, including granting ex parte orders without due process.
- A serial petitioner is barred from filing further petitions to curb abuse of judicial complaint systems.
- Retired public servants can now be appointed as judges if they have at least 10 years left before retirement age
Sources: Channels Television, NJC
