At its 106th meeting held on August 14 and 15, 2024, the National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, recommended Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR, for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria.
This recommendation comes as Justice Ariwoola is set to retire on August 22, 2024.
In addition to recommending Justice Kekere-Ekun for the top judicial position, the NJC endorsed twenty-seven candidates for appointment as Judges across various state courts and one candidate for the position of Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja.
These recommendations will be forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the respective State Governors for final approval.
Other recommendations of the NJC includes: High Court of Kwara State, Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi, Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho, Folorunsho, Oba Muritala, Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo, Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike, Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan
High Court of Kaduna State, Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru. High Court of Benue State, Kor, Vincent Tersoo, Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna, Adagba, Nguhemen Julie, Tor, Damian Tersugh.
Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State, Onche, Ogah Inalegwu, Igba, Theophilus Terhile.
High Court of Rivers State, Onyiri, Frank, Ugoji, Victor Chinedum, Obomanu, Godswill Vidal, Oguguo, Rita Chituru, Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah, Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester, Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi, Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi.
High Court of Ondo State, Daomi, Williams Adebisi, Fabuluje, Adewumi William, Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu, Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness, Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah, Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola.
Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja, Muhammad, Lawal Munir.
Upon approval from President Tinubu and the relevant State Governors, the recommended candidates will be sworn into their respective positions, ensuring the continued functioning and integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.