NJC Recommends FHC Chief Registrar, Suleiman Amida Hassan, 13 Others for Judges
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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally forwarded the name of the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court (FHC), Suleiman Amida Hassan, along with 13 other legal practitioners, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court.
The recommendation followed a rigorous screening and vetting process concluded at the Council’s 110th Meeting, held on January 13 and 14, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
Although the Council had resolved to recommend the 14 candidates at its January session, the formal transmission of their names to the Presidency was 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 final security reports to ensure that only candidates of the highest integrity were nominated for the federal bench.
“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.
The list of nominees is led by Suleiman Amida Hassan, whose proposed elevation from Chief Registrar to Judge is widely regarded within the judiciary as recognition of his years of distinguished administrative and legal service to the Federal High Court.
Other candidates recommended for appointment include 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 and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.
The NJC said the recommendations form part of broader efforts by the CJN-led Council to strengthen the capacity of the Federal High Court, which continues to face a heavy and expanding caseload nationwide.
At the same 110th meeting, the Council also recommended the elevation of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole to the Supreme Court, as well as 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.
By PRNigeria
