Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: NJC

  • Supreme Court Bench Nears Full Strength as Tinubu Nominates Justice Oyewole

    Supreme Court Bench Nears Full Strength as Tinubu Nominates Justice Oyewole

    In an update published by Premium Times, President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The nomination follows a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and is intended to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the former Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola. Justice Oyewole, who currently serves in the Court of Appeal, is widely regarded for his judicial experience and previous high-profile rulings.

    If confirmed, the appointment will bring the Supreme Court bench closer to its full constitutional complement of 21 justices. This move is seen as a critical step in reducing the massive backlog of cases that has plagued the apex court for years. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has referred the nomination to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for immediate screening.

    ThisDay reported on the constitutional significance of the move, noting that “the appointment restores the South-west geo-political zone’s representation on the bench.” Daily Post also highlighted the NJC’s role, quoting a judicial officer who said, “This nomination is a boost for the efficiency of the highest court in the land.”

    Echotitbits take: Filling the Supreme Court bench is a technical necessity that has been delayed for too long. A full complement of justices is essential for the timely delivery of justice, especially as the country approaches the next political cycle.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/tinubu-seeks-senate-confirmation-of-oyewole-as-justice-of-supreme-court/ January 28, 2026

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Massive Judicial Shakeup as Appeal Court Nominees List Emerges

    Massive Judicial Shakeup as Appeal Court Nominees List Emerges

    The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has released a longlist of 48 judges nominated for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench. The names reportedly include Justice James Omotosho and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, both associated with high-profile national interest cases.

    What’s next: Only 12 nominees are expected to be confirmed for the appellate bench after further screening. The National Judicial Council (NJC) is expected to conduct final vetting, with the process framed as part of efforts to decongest courts and address vacancies created by retirements.

    Why it matters: The nominations are drawing scrutiny because of the perceived sensitivity of some past cases handled by shortlisted judges. Stakeholders are urging a merit-based final selection to strengthen judicial independence.

    Echotitbits take: This reshuffle is pivotal for legal stability. Elevating judges with experience in high-stakes matters could improve appellate capacity, but it may also create short-term gaps at the trial level where major corruption and security cases are ongoing.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/851405-njc-forwards-14-candidates-names-to-tinubu-for-appointment-as-federal-high-court-judges.html (January 25, 2026)

    Premium Times 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Femi Falana Slams Judges for Granting Bail to Alleged Security Fund Looters

    Femi Falana Slams Judges for Granting Bail to Alleged Security Fund Looters

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized the Nigerian judiciary for using ‘legal technicalities’ to release individuals accused of stealing billions intended for arms procurement. Falana argued that while soldiers are being sent to the frontlines with inadequate equipment, those responsible for diverting the funds are enjoying freedom and ‘obstructing justice’ through prolonged bail and stay-of-proceedings.

    The senior advocate called for a dedicated ‘Anti-Corruption Court’ to fast-track cases involving national security funds. He emphasized that the current judicial system is too slow and susceptible to influence from wealthy defendants. Falana’s critique comes amid fresh reports of military casualties in the North-East, which he links directly to the ‘financial sabotage’ of the defense budget.

    Supporting reports from Premium Times and Channels TV validate Falana’s stance. Premium Times noted that ‘Falana’s call for special courts is gaining traction among activists,’ while Channels TV quoted him directly: ‘Technicalities should not be a shield for those who leave our soldiers vulnerable.’

    Echotitbits take: Falana is highlighting the ‘disconnect’ between the courtrooms and the trenches. The Nigerian judiciary is often criticized for being ‘pro-defendant’ in high-profile corruption cases. Watch for whether the National Judicial Council (NJC) issues a new directive on ‘priority corruption cases’ to counter this narrative.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/treasury-looters-dont-deserve-bail-says-falana/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

    NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    In an update published by Punch, the National Judicial Council reportedly shortlisted 28 nominees for Federal High Court appointments while 34 candidates were said to have failed an integrity test under updated recruitment guidelines.

    The screening reflects an institutional push to reduce the entry of persons of doubtful character into the bench, amid fragile public trust in justice delivery.

    The Guardian also reported that “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test” and were removed from consideration, noting that petitions featured in the eliminations.

    If sustained, the reforms could shift incentives—making reputational vetting and petition handling as important as technical competence in judicial appointments.

    Punch reported the integrity test filtered out dozens of applicants, while The Guardian wrote, “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test.”

    Echotitbits take: Integrity screening is welcome, but transparency is key. Watch whether NJC clarifies criteria, petition handling timelines and appeal safeguards so the process doesn’t become opaque or politically weaponised.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/csp-33-others-fail-judges-integrity-test-njc/ — December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: National Judicial Council