FJSC Recommends Nwite, Omotosho, 10 Others for Court of Appeal Elevation

The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has shortlisted 12 judges for possible elevation to Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, forwarding their names to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for consideration.

Details of the recommendation emerged from a judicial document shared on Saturday by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.

According to the document, the process began with 48 nominees submitted by the President of the Court of Appeal. The FJSC was tasked with selecting 12 candidates for onward transmission to the NJC, in line with established judicial appointment procedures.

The document referenced Rule 3(2) of the NJC’s Revised Guidelines, which requires that twice the number of intended appointments be initially proposed. It also stated that the Commission exercised its constitutional authority under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in making the final selection.

The 12 recommended judges, drawn from across the federation, are:

* Bayelsa: Justice Raphael Ajuwa

* Benue: Justice Ijohor M. Jennifer

* Cross River: Justice Abua Elias Ojie

* Ebonyi: Justice Emeka Nwite

* Ekiti: Justice Abodunde M. Oluwatoyin

* Gombe: Justice Abdulhameed M. Yakubu

* Katsina: Justice Sanusi Kado

* Kebbi: Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu

* Ogun: Justice James K. Omotosho

* Ondo: Justice Ademola Enikuomehin

* Plateau: Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom

* Taraba: Justice Dauda Njane Buba

The NJC is expected to review the recommendations in accordance with its procedures before making final decisions on the appointments.