The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has explained that the publication of the names of shortlisted judicial candidates is part of efforts to promote openness and accountability in the appointment of judges to superior courts.
Among those shortlisted is Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who recently presided over the trial that led to the conviction of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism-related charges. Justice Omotosho has been nominated for elevation to the Court of Appeal.
His name was included in an official public notice issued by the FJSC titled “Appointment of 12 Justices to the Court of Appeal Bench – Call for Comments.” The notice, signed by the Secretary of the Commission, directed members of the public to forward their submissions to the Commission’s Secretariat located at the Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
According to the Commission, making the list of nominees public is a deliberate policy designed to strengthen transparency in the judicial appointment process. It stated that the initiative allows citizens to actively participate by scrutinising the credentials and conduct of proposed appointees.
In the notice, the FJSC explained that, to reinforce transparency and accountability in the selection of judicial officers for superior courts of record, it has resolved to consistently publish the names of all shortlisted candidates. This, the Commission said, is aimed at encouraging informed public input.
The Commission further noted that the exercise is intended to provide an opportunity for members of the public to assess and comment on the integrity, reputation, and overall suitability of each nominee for judicial elevation.
Justice Omotosho is one of several judges shortlisted from different jurisdictions, including Federal and State High Courts, as well as Customary Courts of Appeal and Sharia Courts of Appeal across the country.
From Benue State, the shortlisted candidates are Hon. Justice Raphael Aluwe and Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse.
For Bayelsa State, the nominees include Justice Ebiyerin Goodness, Justice Simon Warikiyel, and Justice Zibotu Patience.
In Cross River State, those shortlisted are Hon. Justice Abus Elias Ojie, Hon. Justice Agianpuye Ubus, Hon. Justice Abba Ukpai, and Hon. Justice Obo Awusa Oto.
Ekiti State is represented by Justice Monsola Oluwatoyin Abiodunde.
From Plateau State, the listed nominees are Justice Jacob Azi Atsen, Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit, Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, and Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet.
In Ogun State, the shortlisted candidates include Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, Hon. Justice Ogunfowora, Hon. Justice Rukayat Velunde, and Hon. Justice Olufunke Sule Minzall.
For Gombe State, the Commission named Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu, Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar, Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna, and Hon. Justice Daurabo Suleiman.
From Ondo State, the nominees are Hon. Justice Oluyemi Debayo, Hon. Justice Orimisan James, Hon. Justice Akintemi Michael, and Hon. Justice Ademola.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) nominees include Hon. Justice Nuhu Sumenti Adi, Hon. Justice Rosemary Indinya Kanyip, and Hon. Justice Danladi John Yakubu.
For Taraba State, the sole candidate listed is Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba.
From Katsina State, those shortlisted are Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado, Hon. Justice Safiya Badamasi Umar, SAN, Hon. Justice Adam Salihu Varima, and Hon. Justice Ibrahim Abubakar Maude.
In Kebbi State, the nominees include Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, Hon. Justice Maryam Aliyu, Hon. Justice Abubakar Saddiq Bello, and Hon. Justice Shamsudeen Ja’afar.
For Ebonyi State, the shortlisted candidates are Hon. Justice Vincent Nwanchukwu, Hon. Justice Thelma Adanna Achom, Hon. Justice Esther Awo Ota, and Hon. Justice Emoka Naito.
The Commission invited members of the public to submit written comments or petitions concerning any of the shortlisted candidates. It stated that all submissions must be made within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication and must be supported by a verifying affidavit.
The FJSC also cautioned the public against submitting false, frivolous, or unsubstantiated allegations, warning that such actions could attract consequences.