Abuja, December 29, 2025 – In a significant move to uphold judicial standards, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has revealed that 34 lawyers nominated for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (FHC) have been disqualified after failing a rigorous integrity screening process. Only 28 candidates have been cleared to proceed to the next stage of interviews, marking a bold application of new guidelines aimed at sanitizing the judiciary.
The disqualifications stem from public petitions and feedback submitted against the nominees, following the introduction of enhanced integrity measures under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. These guidelines, approved by the NJC, are designed to prevent individuals of questionable character from ascending to the bench, thereby restoring and maintaining public confidence in the judicial system.
The process began earlier in 2025 when 62 applicants successfully passed a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the Federal High Court. Their names were subsequently forwarded to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) for further vetting. In line with the new policy endorsed by the CJN, the FJSC published the list of these 62 nominees on September 17, 2025, inviting members of the public to provide feedback on their integrity, reputation, and suitability for judicial appointment.
This public call for comments yielded numerous petitions, leading to thorough investigations into allegations against several candidates. Sources within the NJC indicated that the FJSC meticulously reviewed these submissions, resulting in the disqualification of 34 nominees who failed to meet the integrity threshold.
One prominent case highlighted in reports involved a female nominee accused of demanding and receiving bribes during her official duties. The petition, submitted by a lawyer, alleged that she solicited and accepted a N1 million bribe in connection with a court matter. The matter was referred to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for investigation, which reportedly confirmed the allegations, finding that the nominee had indeed demanded and received the sum. This and similar petitions provided substantiated grounds for the FJSC to drop the affected candidates.
Armed with evidence from these investigations, the FJSC ultimately upheld only 28 nominations, forwarding their names to the NJC for final consideration while eliminating the remaining 34. The cleared nominees are described as having received a "clean bill of health" during the integrity test.
The 28 shortlisted candidates are scheduled to face the NJC's interview panel in early January 2026, ahead of the Council's plenary meeting set for January 13 and 14, 2026. During this session, the NJC will deliberate on the recommendations and potentially finalize appointments to fill vacancies on the Federal High Court bench.
NJC Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Ogedegbe, confirmed the upcoming meeting dates and emphasized the Council's unwavering commitment to high standards. While declining to comment on specific petitions, she stated that transparency and judicial integrity remain top priorities under the Kekere-Ekun administration. "The NJC is determined not to lower the entry point bar, no matter who is involved," she affirmed, underscoring that the process is merit-based and non-compromising.
This development has been widely reported across major Nigerian media outlets, reflecting a consensus on the facts of the disqualifications and the NJC's resolve to implement reforms. The high number of dropouts – over half of the initial shortlist – signals a stringent application of the new integrity policy, which Justice Kekere-Ekun introduced upon assuming office to address longstanding concerns about judicial appointments.
Critics and observers have praised the move as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust in the judiciary, which has faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption and favoritism in past appointments. By opening the process to public scrutiny, the NJC has demonstrated a proactive approach to accountability, allowing citizens to play a role in vetting potential judges.
The Federal High Court, with its jurisdiction over federal matters including revenue, constitutional issues, and admiralty, plays a critical role in Nigeria's legal system. Filling judicial vacancies with individuals of unimpeachable character is essential for efficient justice delivery and upholding the rule of law.
As the NJC prepares for its January meeting, attention will focus on the final selections from the remaining 28 nominees. The interviews are expected to further assess their competence, temperament, and suitability for the exalted position of federal judge.
This rigorous screening process underscores the Kekere-Ekun-led NJC's determination to elevate only the most qualified and ethical legal practitioners to the bench, setting a precedent for future judicial appointments across Nigeria's courts.
The outcome of this exercise is anticipated to contribute positively to ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the Nigerian judiciary, ensuring it remains a pillar of democracy and fairness.
