Chief Judge Releases Postings For 23 New Judges
Sequel to the appointment of 23 new judges, the Honorable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has released a new posting of the court’s judges to various divisions across the country. The Chief Judge directed the affected judges to report at their duty stations before the date of resumption from the Christmas vacation, being the 8th day of January, 2023. In a statement signed by the Assistant Director Information of the court, Catherine Oby Christopher, PhD, on Wednesday, the CJ wished his fellow lordships a wonderful vacation in advance. Below is the list of judges and their new postings: 1. ABUJA : 1. HON. JUSTICE J.T. TSOHO — Chief Judge 2. HON. JUSTICE G.K. OLOTU 3. HON. JUSTICE B.F.M. NYAKO 4. HON. JUSTICE R.N. OFILI- AJUMOGOBIA 5. HON. JUSTICE A.R. MOHAMMED 6. HON. JUSTICE I. E. EKWO 7. HON. JUSTICE D.U. OKOROWO 8. HON. JUSTICE JOYCE OBEHI ABDULMALIK 9. HON. JUSTICE JAMES KOLAWALE OMOTOSHO 10. HON. JUSTICE EMEKA NWITE 11. HON. JUSTICE OBIORA ATUEGWU EGWUATU 12. HON. JUSTICE MOBOLAJI OLUBUKOLA OLAJUWON 13. HON. JUSTICE NKEONYE EVELYN MAHA 2. UMUAHIA -ABIA 1. HON. JUSTICE SUNDAY ONU 2. HON. JUSTICE MUSA KAKAKI 3. YENAGOA — BAYELSA 1. HON. JUSTICE ISA HAMMA ADAMA DASHEN 2. HON. JUSTICE SALIM OLASUPO IBRAHIM 4. BENIN -EDO 1. HON. JUSTICE S. M. SHUAIBU 2. HON. JUSTICE CHUKA AUSTINE OBIOZOR 5. BIRNIN KEBBI.- KEBBI 1. HON. JUSTICE EMMANUEL GAKKO 6. KADUNA 1. HON. JUSTICE R.M. AIKAWA 2. HON. JUSTICE HAWAU BUHARI 7. KANO 1. HON. JUSTICE A.M. LIMAN 2. HON. JUSTICE M.N. YUNUSA 3. HON. JUSTICE S.A. AMOBEDA 8. LAGOS 1. HON. JUSTICE J.T. TSOHO – Chief Judge 2. HON. JUSTICE A.O. FAJI 3. HON. JUSTICE A. LEWIS -ALLAGOA 4. HON. JUSTICE C.J. ANEKE 5. HON. JUSTICE YELLIM S. BOGORO 6. HON. JUSTICE DANIEL EMEKA OSIAGOR 7. HON. JUSTICE AKINTAYO ALUKO 8. HON. JUSTICE PETER ODO LIFU 9. HON. JUSTICE ABIMBOLA O. AWOGBORO 10. HON. JUSTICE DIPEOLU DEINDE ISAAC 11. HON. JUSTICE OGUNDARE KEHINDE OLAYIWOLA 12. HON. JUSTICE IBRAHIM AHMAD KALA 13. HON. JUSTICE OGAZI FRIDAY NKEMAKONAM 9. ILORIN -KWARA 1. HON. JUSTICE EVELYN NMASINULO ANYADIKE 2. HON. JUSTICE ARIWOOLA OLUKAYODE JNR. 10. AKURE – ONDO 1. HON. JUSTICE TOYIN BOLAJI ADEGOKE. 2. HON. JUSTICE OWOEYE ALEXANDER OLUSEYI 11. IBADAN -OYO 1. HON. JUSTICE UCHE N. AGOMOH 2. HON. JUSTICE EKERETE UDOFOT AKPA 12. ABEOKUTA -OGUN 1. HON. JUSTICE A.A. OKEKE 2. HON. JUSTICE ADEFUNMILOLA ADEKEMI DEMI – AJAYI 13. ADO -EKITI, EKITI 1. HON. JUSTICE B.O. KUEWUMI 2. HON. JUSTICE B.O. QUADRI 14. ASABA- DELTA 1. HON. JUSTICE F.A. OLUBANJO 2. HON. JUSTICE AGBAJE OLUFUNMILOLA ADETUTU 15. AWKA – ANAMBRA 1. HON. JUSTICE NNAMDI DIMGBA 16. ABAKALIKI – EBONYI 1. HON. JUSTICE HYELADZIRA AJIYA NGANJUWA 2. HON. JUSTICE M.T. SEGUN- BELLO 17. OWERRI -IMO 1. HON. JUSTICE INIEKENIMI NICHOLAS OWEIBO 2. HON. JUSTICE WIGWE-OREH CHITURU JOY 18. WARRI- DELTA HON. JUSTICE I.M. SANI 19. PORT HARCOURT —RIVERS 1. HON. JUSTICE P.I. AJOKU 2. HON. JUSTICE E.A. OBILE 3. HON. JUSTICE PHEOBE MSUEN AYUA 4. HON. JUSTICE STEPHEN DAYLOP PAM 5. HON. JUSTICE ADAMU TURAKI MOHAMMED 6. HON. JUSTICE SA’ADATU IBRAHIM MARK 20. CALABAR — CROSS – RIVER 1. HON. JUSTICE I. L. OJUKWU 2. HON. JUSTICE ROSEMARY O. DUGBO. OGHOGHORIE 21. UYO — AKWA-IBOM 1. HON. JUSTICE M.A. ONYETENU 2. HON. JUSTICE ONAH CHIGOZIE SERGIUS 22. MAKURDI – BENUE 1. HON. JUSTICE M.S. ABUBAKAR 2. HON. JUSTICE EGBE RAPHAEL JOSHUA. 23. ENUGU 1. HON. JUSTICE M.G. UMAR 2. HON. JUSTICE F.O. GIWA- OGUNBANJO 24. MAIDUGURI -BORNO 1. HON. JUSTICE JUDE KANYIOH DAGAT 2. HON. JUSTICE TIJJANI GARBA RINGIM 25. YOLA- ADAMAWA: 1. HON. JUSTICE SALEH KOGO IDRISSA 2. HON. JUSTICE ABDULAZEEZ M. Z. ANKA 26. BAUCHI 1. HON. JUSTICE MUSA SULAIMAN LIMAN 2. HON. JUSTICE AISHATU AUTA IBRAHIM 27. KATSINA 1. HON. JUSTICE AHMAD GAMA MAHMUD 2. HON. JUSTICE HUSSAINI DADAN- GARBA 28. GUSAU-ZAMFARA 1. HON. JUSTICE AMINU BAPPA ALIYU 29. JALINGO – TARABA 1. HON. JUSTICE BALA KHALIFA- MOHAMMED USMAN 30. MINNA -NIGER 1. HON. JUSTICE GARBA AMINU 2. HON. JUSTICE MUHAMMAD DAN- IGE 31. LAFIA -NASARAWA: 1. HON. JUSTICE NEHIZENA IDEMUDIA AFOLABI 2. HON. JUSTICE ANYALEWA ONOJA -ALAPA 32. LOKOJA -KOGI 1. HON. JUSTICE ABDU DOGO 2. HON. JUSTICE ABIODUN JORDAN ADEYEMI 33. JOS-PLATEAU 1. HON. JUSTICE D.V. AGISHI 2. HON. JUSTICE SHARON TANKO ISHAYA 34. OSOGBO- OSUN: 1. HON. JUSTICE N. AYO- EMMANUEL 2. HON. JUSTICE MASHKUR SALISU 35. SOKOTO 1. HON. JUSTICE Z. B. ABUBAKAR 36. GOMBE 1. HON. JUSTICE HILLARY IDE OSHO OSHOMO 2. HON. JUSTICE AMINA ALIYU MOHAMMAD 37. DUTSE – JIGAWA 1. HON. JUSTICE HASSAN DIKKO 38. DAMATURU – YOBE: 1. HON. JUSTICE FADIMA MURTALA AMINU 2. HON. JUSTICE YILWA HAUWA JOSEPH.
22 Justices Nominated For Supreme Court Promotion (Full List)
The Federal Judicial Service Commission has forwarded a list of 22 justices from the Court of Appeal to the National Judicial Council, marking them as potential candidates for elevation to Nigeria’s prestigious Supreme Court. In a move highlighting geographical diversity, the nominations represent various regions across Nigeria, showcasing a comprehensive array of candidates. Among the nominees, six justices originate from the north-central region, while the southeast and south-south regions boast six and two nominees, respectively. Additionally, the southwest region has two nominations, and both the northeast and northwest regions contribute two candidates each. Here’s a breakdown of the nominated justices from the different regions: South East Hon Justice Nwaoma Uwa (Abia State) – Priority Hon Justice Onyekachi Otisi (Abia State) – Reserve Hon Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ebonyi State) – Priority Hon Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua (Imo State) – Reserve Hon Justice Anthony Ogakwu (Enugu State) – Priority Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-lheme (Imo State) – Reserve South South Hon Justice Moore Adumein (Bayelsa State) – Priority Hon Justice Biobele Georgewill (Rivers State) – Reserve South West Hon Justice Adewale Abiru (Lagos State) – Priority Hon Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (Osun State) – Reserve North Central Hon Jummai Sankey (Plateau State) – Priority Hon Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau) – Reserve Hon Justice Stephen Adah (Kogi State) – Priority Hon Justice Ridman Maiwada Abdullahi (Nassarawa State) – Reserve Hon Justice Baba Idris (Niger State) – Priority Hon Justice Joseph Ikyegh (Benue State) – Reserve North East Hon Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (Bauchi State) – Priority Hon Justice Abubakar Talba (Adamawa State) – Reserve North West Hon Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu (Jigawa State) – Priority Hon Justice Bello Aliyu (Zamfara State) – Reserve Hon Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (Kebbi State) – Priority Hon Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero (Kano State) – Reserve
Appoint Only Qualified Judges To Supreme, Appeal Court Benches, Tinubu Charges NJC
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to rely on qualified, experienced and diligent private legal practitioners in both the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court appointments. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the All-Nigerian Judges Conference of the Superior Courts, held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in Abuja, the president held that the move will strengthen the nation’s judiciary. Tinubu expressed that the judiciary had over the years, performed excellently to creditably retain the status of the last hope of the common man, adding that his administration was determined to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country. Tinubu was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. He said: “While the Nigerian judiciary is not immune from certain challenges, it has, however, surmounted these limitations to creditably retain the status of both the last hope of the common man and the bastion of rule of law and democracy. “The Nigerian judiciary has indeed evolved from the colonial days, through the rich history of contemporary worthy status today. While there may be misgivings here and there, we cannot begin to imagine what our country would have been subjected to if there was no judiciary. “Through a gamut of landmark judgments, the judiciary has continued to maintain the cause of the rule of law in Nigeria and strengthens our democratic processes and institutions. “I wish to observe that in the cause of demonstrating this commitment to the advancement of the rule of law and democracy, especially in political and electoral cases, the judiciary has come under myopic criticism and attacks. Concluding, he reiterated his confidence in the accomplishment of the judiciary in the cause of nation-building, both locally and on the global scene.
FG Expresses Readiness To Increase Supreme Court Justices
Following the increasing workload as a result of the depleting number of Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has said the Federal Government is prepared and ready to strengthen the Apex Court to attain the required number of Justices as required by the Constitution. Speaking at the special court session of Justice Amina Adamu Augie’s retirement, Fagbemi said, the Federal Government acknowledges the sacrifices and the working conditions of the current Justices of the Supreme Court and other Judges in Nigeria. The AGF said, “President Bola Tinubu’s led government shall guarantee excellent conditions of service and renumerations good enough to appreciate the onerous duties of judicial officers at all level. According to the AGF, “While we appreciate the urgency in reviewing the remuneration of judicial officers which had not been done for over a decade as an integral component of our judicial reforms, we are also appreciative of the greater goal of achieving a true independence for the judiciary which can only be achieved through a comprehensive and sustainable reform process which requires attention and details”. He said the federal government has commenced a painstaking effort at revisiting and reviewing all necessary instruments towards strengthening the judiciary, rule of law and improving the living conditions of all judicial officers. While noting that Nigeria’s judiciary has lived up to expectations, Fagbemi said the federal government will support critical reforms that would enhance greater access to Justice, facilitate speedy trials and build confidence in the country’s judicial and legal systems. The AGF described Justice Amina Augie as an embodiment of a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who made several far-reaching legal and judicial pronouncements, which have continued to generate reviews from legal commentators. Earlier in his speech, the CJN said, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, “has, largely, made herself a pliable legal personality that has diligently sunk a pool of enduring legal knowledge and experience in all her judicial pronouncements. She has been a formidable ally, an admirable pillar of support and indeed, a jolly good fellow to all of us. “His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety. Her judgments are not only incisive but equally analytical and rich in content and context. Her robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are fascinating and captivating, too. Her impeccable attention to details in every matter that came before her is alluring and salutary as well.” The CJN said Justice Amina Augie has variously exhibited rare qualities and tenacity of strength and character to the admiration of her colleagues and admirers, especially when it comes to the administration of justice. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his speech said, there is no Supreme Court in the world that is over-worked like the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Even at that, the NBA boss said Justices of the court still carry out their judicial duties deligently, he commended the sacrifices of the Supreme Court Justices. While urging the Justices of the Supreme Court to continue in dispensing justice without fear or favour, Maikyau said the NBA is championing the fight for the upward review of the salaries, allowances and improved working conditions of judicial workers in the country.
CJN To Swear In 9 New Appeal Court Justices Sept 20
*As Justice Amina Augie Retires On September 20, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will administer the oath of office to nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal. This inauguration ceremony will take place at the Main Court auditorium of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as announced on Sunday in a statement by Dr. Festus Akande, the Director of Press and Information for the Supreme Court. The new Appellate Court Justices include Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun from Kaduna State, Binta Fatima Zubairu from Kaduna State, and Peter Chudi Obiora from Anambra State, among others. Each of these distinguished individuals has a substantial legal background, having served as High Court Judges for several years. Additionally, it was revealed that Justice Amina Adamu Augie is set to retire from the Supreme Court’s Bench on September 21, 2023. This follows her attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 70 on September 3, 2023. The valedictory court session in her honour, which was originally scheduled for September 3, has been postponed due to the Court’s annual vacation. Justice Augie, who became a Supreme Court Justice on November 7, 2016, graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. With Justice Augie’s retirement, the Supreme Court will be left with 11 Justices, significantly below the Constitutionally stipulated 22 Justices. This development follows the passing of Justice Centus Chima Nweze of the Supreme Court in July this year. The current lineup of Justices on the Apex Court bench includes Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, Musa Dattijo, Kudirat Motomori Kekere-Ekun, John Inyang Okoro, Uwani Abba Aji, Garba Lawal, Helen Morenikeji Ogunwumiju, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijjani Abubakar, and Emmanuela Akomaye Agim.