From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has shortlisted 28 candidates for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court (FHC) after screening out 34 nominees over integrity concerns arising from adverse public feedback.
The development followed a rigorous screening exercise conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) under a transparency initiative introduced by the administration of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The initiative requires the publication of names of judicial nominees to allow members of the public to submit comments and petitions on their integrity, reputation and suitability for judicial office.
Out of the 62 applicants who passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the Federal High Court and were forwarded to the FJSC, only 28 successfully survived the integrity vetting process. The remaining 34 nominees were disqualified based on adverse feedback, with several petitions backed by official investigation reports from the Police Service Commission (PSC).
One of the petitions considered by the Commission was filed against a nominee who previously served as Officer-in-Charge of Legal at the Zone 7 Police Command, Abuja. The petition, submitted by a law firm acting for an aggrieved citizen, alleged abuse of office, extortion and misconduct, including unlawful arrest and demand for bribes before bail was granted.
A Police Service Commission investigation report submitted during the screening process corroborated key aspects of the allegations, tracing financial transactions linked to the alleged extortion and faulting the involvement of police officers in what it described as a purely civil dispute.
In its findings, the Police Service Commission noted that the arrest in question amounted to a malicious use of police powers and described the alleged financial inducements as a breach of accountability and transparency in public service. The Commission recommended disciplinary action, including suspension and referral of the officers involved to the Force Disciplinary Committee.
Sources within the judiciary confirmed that the NJC will meet on January 13 and 14 to consider issues arising from the screening exercise. The 28 shortlisted nominees are expected to appear before an NJC interview panel ahead of the meeting.
A senior judicial source said the Council remains committed to upholding high ethical standards in judicial appointments.
“The Council is determined not to lower the entry-point bar, regardless of who is involved. Judicial integrity and public confidence in the courts remain top priorities under the Kekere-Ekun administration”, the source said.
