NJC to Unveil 11 Supreme Court Nominees on Thursday Amid Vetting by Security Agencies

The National Judicial Council (NJC) convened for its final quarterly meeting of the year from Wednesday to Thursday, with a major agenda item being the review of 11 nominees for elevation to the Supreme Court. These candidates were carefully selected from a 22-man list submitted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola.

Chaired by the Council’s vice-chairman, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the appointment committee engaged in an extensive session last week, considering nominations for various bench vacancies, including the elevation of 11 Court of Appeal justices and the appointment of new heads of courts and judges for various divisions.

Notably, the nominees underwent scrutiny by security agencies such as the Department of State Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The vetting process aimed to ensure that only candidates with a clean bill of health proceeded in the selection process.

While the details of the security reports remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the Council would not consider any nominee deemed unfit by the security and financial crime agencies. However, the reasons behind the removal of Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu from Jigawa from the North West priority list are yet to be confirmed.

Challenges have also arisen in the case of Justice Adewale Abiru, drawing criticism over the zoning of the sole South West slot to Lagos. Similar uncertainties surround Justice Baba Idris, son of the late CJN Idris Legbo Kutigi, with attention on his leapfrogging senior colleagues.

Meanwhile, the NJC is addressing the judicial imbroglio in Osun, reviewing the situation while maintaining recognition of Justice Adebola Adepele Ojo as the Chief Judge, despite reported suspension by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In a move towards enhanced transparency, the names of nominees for judicial appointments are set to appear in the media, expanding entry-level transparency in the selection process. The NJC will recommend final selections for the apex court and other vacancies to appointing authorities, with President Bola Tinubu overseeing federal appointments and state governors handling state appointments.

This ongoing process marks the first time the Supreme Court is on track to have a full complement of 21 justices as envisioned by the constitution. However, Chief Justice Kayode Ariwoola’s impending retirement next year signals the beginning of another round of appointments. A judicial administrator emphasized that the system’s inherent mechanisms should be expedited to address regular vacancies on the apex bench.