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 Borno, Niger, 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.