Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court, noted for convicting IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges, has been shortlisted for appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) published his name in a notice titled “Appointment of 12 Justices to the Court of Appeal Bench – Call for Comments”, aimed at ensuring transparency in judicial appointments. The notice, signed by the FJSC Secretary, invites the public to submit comments or complaints regarding the integrity, reputation, and suitability of nominees within 14 days, accompanied by a verifying affidavit. False or unsubstantiated submissions may attract consequences.
The shortlist includes judges from Federal and State High Courts, as well as Customary and Sharia Courts of Appeal nationwide. Other notable nominees include:
Benue State: Hon. Justices Raphael Aluwe and Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse
Bayelsa State: Justices Ebiyerin Goodness, Simon Warikiyel, and Zibotu Patience
Cross River State: Justices Abus Elias Ojie, Agianpuye Ubus, Abba Ukpai, and Obo Awusa Oto
Ekiti State: Justice Monsola Oluwatoyin Abiodunde
Plateau State: Justices Jacob Azi Atsen, Veronica Julcit, Stephen Dalyop Pam, and Nankwat Dawat Shaseet
Ogun State: Justices James Kolawole Omotosho, Ogunfowora, Rukayat Velunde, and Olufunke Sule Minzall
Gombe State: Justices Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu, Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar, Mohammed Auwal Haruna, and Daurabo Suleiman
Other states also have multiple nominees across the judiciary and Federal Capital Territory.
The FJSC emphasized that the publication of names allows for public scrutiny and promotes accountability in the appointment process. Members of the public are encouraged to provide honest feedback on the candidates’ suitability for service on the Court of Appeal.
