Connect with us

News

NJC Clears Osun Chief Judge, Elevates Oyewole to Supreme Court and Approves 35 New Judicial Officers

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Summary
The National Judicial Council has approved the elevation of Justice Joseph Oyewole to the Supreme Court and recommended 35 new judges for various state courts. In a major disciplinary review, the Council also exonerated the Osun State Chief Judge of corruption allegations and lifted the suspension of Justice Jane Inyang.

In a significant move to strengthen the Nigerian bench and resolve lingering disciplinary issues, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced a series of high-profile appointments and exonerations following its 110th meeting. Presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on January 13, 2026, the Council addressed critical manpower needs in the judiciary while clearing the air on controversial petitions.

Supreme Court Elevation and Fresh Appointments

Topping the list of recommendations is the elevation of Justice Joseph Oyewole, currently of the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, to the Supreme Court bench. His promotion is part of a broader recruitment drive that saw the NJC approve the appointment of 35 judicial officers across the federation.

The breakdown of the new appointments includes 27 High Court judges distributed across BornoNiger, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Ekiti states. Additionally, the Council recommended the appointment of Kadis for Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba, and Katsina, as well as judges for the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.

The NJC noted that these candidates emerged successful after a rigorous screening process involving interviews and background checks, consistent with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines.

Osun Chief Judge Exonerated

In a decisive verdict regarding judicial integrity, the Council has fully cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations. Justice Ojo had faced a barrage of petitions from the State Judicial Service Commission and union members accusing her of financial recklessness, diversion of funds, and misconduct.

After a thorough probe by a three-member Investigation Committee, the NJC found no evidence that Justice Ojo diverted robe allowances, misappropriated retreat funds, or withheld e-affidavit proceeds. The Council dismissed the petitions, noting that administrative actions such as staff suspension followed due process, and declared the allegations baseless.

Suspension Lifted and Policy Warnings

The Council also reversed the one-year suspension without pay previously imposed on Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal. Upon review, it was discovered that the petition leading to her suspension was filed out of time and related to a matter already under appeal, prompting the NJC to set aside the penalty.

Furthermore, the NJC issued a stern warning to judges regarding the indiscriminate granting of ex parte orders and advised Heads of Court to exercise caution when assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.

Regarding Imo State, the Council extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge by three months but declined to entertain fresh petitions against her, urging the state government to constitute the Judicial Service Commission immediately to facilitate a substantive appointment.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

Continue Reading

News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

Continue Reading

Trending