An integrity screening has disqualified 34 lawyers from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court, significantly narrowing the field of candidates for the Bench.
The disqualifications followed the introduction of a new integrity review framework approved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, aimed at strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.
Initially, 62 lawyers progressed after passing the Computer-Based Test conducted by the Federal High Court and were forwarded to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). Their names were published on September 17, 2025, to invite public feedback on their character, reputation and suitability.
Several petitions were submitted, including one accusing a female nominee of demanding and receiving a ₦1 million bribe in the course of her duties. An investigation by the Police Service Commission confirmed the allegation, leading to her disqualification.
After reviewing all petitions, the FJSC cleared only 28 candidates and forwarded their names to the NJC, while the remaining 34 were dropped for failing the integrity test.
The shortlisted candidates will face the NJC interview panel ahead of the Council’s meeting scheduled for January 13 and 14, 2026.
Confirming the development, NJC Director of Information, Kemi Ogedegbe, said the Council remains committed to transparency, integrity, and merit in judicial appointments.
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