The National Judicial Council (NJC) has forwarded the names of 14 nominees to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court, following the conclusion of its rigorous screening and vetting process.
Leading the list is the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court (FHC), Suleiman Amida Hassan, alongside 13 other qualified legal practitioners recommended for elevation to the federal bench.
The recommendations were approved at the NJC’s 110th Meeting, held on January 13 and 14, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
Although the Council resolved to recommend the candidates during its January session, the formal transmission of their names to the Presidency was temporarily delayed pending the completion of mandatory security and background checks.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, explained that the Council deliberately awaited the outcome of the security screening to ensure that only candidates of proven integrity were nominated for appointment.
“Having received the security report, with no adverse comments on any of the recommended candidates, the Council has today, the 22nd day of January 2026, forwarded the names to the President,” the statement said.
According to the NJC, the proposed elevation of Suleiman Amida Hassan from Chief Registrar to Judge is widely regarded within the judiciary as recognition of his years of distinguished administrative leadership and professional service to the Federal High Court.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
Other candidates recommended for appointment as Federal High Court Judges are:
- Muhammad Barau Saidu
- Igboko Chinelo Conchita
- Onuegbu Chioma Angela
- Galumje Edingah
- Ibrahim Vera Eneabo
- Abubakar Musa Usman
- Salihu Aisha Yunusa
- Ikpeme Joy Bassey
- Shehu Umaru Adamu
- Mohammed Ibrahim Buba
- Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith
- Usoro Kuyik Uduak
- Nwoye Osinachi Donatus
The NJC said the recommendations form part of ongoing efforts by the CJN-led Council to strengthen the capacity of the Federal High Court, which continues to grapple with an expanding and heavy caseload across divisions nationwide.
At the same 110th meeting, the Council also approved the recommendation of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole for elevation to the Supreme Court, in addition to endorsing the appointment of 35 other judicial officers to various state high courts and customary courts across the federation.
The appointment of the recommended Federal High Court judges is subject to the approval of President Tinubu, after which they will be sworn into office in accordance with constitutional provisions.
