In a recent swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola officiated the induction of 23 newly appointed Federal High Court judges, that includes his son. The National Judicial Council (NJC), led by Chief Justice Ariwoola, meticulously reviewed their curriculum vitae before recommending, appointing, and administering the oath of office.
This significant event, held on October 4, 2023, included the swearing-in of Ariwoola Jnr., the son of the Chief Justice, among the new judges. With these appointments, the total number of Federal High Court judges in Nigeria has risen to 96, as reported by News Direct.
The appointment process adheres to NJC procedures, where the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) invites qualified candidates to express their interest. The FJSC notifies relevant entities, including courts, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), about the vacancies. Heads of courts, judicial officers, and the NBA then nominate eligible candidates, and these nominations undergo thorough evaluation before reaching the NJC.
The NJC, under the guidance of CJN Olukayode Ariwoola, considers various factors in recommending candidates for Federal High Court judgeship. These factors include good character, reputation, diligence, hard work, honesty, integrity, legal knowledge, adherence to professional ethics, and other qualifications specified in NJC procedural rules.
To illustrate the diverse backgrounds of the newly appointed judges, below are the curriculum vitaes of some of them:
1. Justice Ibrahim Salim Olasupo:
Highest Educational Qualification: Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, 1998-2001
Track Record: Deputy Divisional Registrar, Lagos FHC Division (2018-2020), Divisional Registrar in Akure and Ado-Ekiti Divisions (2020-2023), and more.
2. Justice Olufunmilola Agbaje:
Highest Educational Qualification: International Trade and Maritime Law, University of Essex, United Kingdom (2019)
Track Record: Legal roles at Kyari Chambers, Abiodun Falade and Co, and Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court.
3. Justice Mashkur Salisu:
Highest Educational Qualification: LLM, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2011-2015)
Track Record: Roles in ICPC, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, and National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
4. Justice Abdullahi Dan Ige:
Highest Educational Qualification: International Certificate Course On Legislative Drafting, KIIT University, India (2016)
Track Record: Deputy Chief Registrar, Federal High Court of Nigeria (2016-Date), Ag. Director Legal Services Department, Sokoto State House of Assembly (2007-2016), and more.
5. Justice Onah Chigozie:
Highest Educational Qualification: Masters in Law, University of Lagos (2016)
Track Record: Legal roles at St Giles Solicitors, Lawyers Alert Abuja, and current position as Senior Partner at VERITAS ATTORNEYS LP.
These judges, with diverse legal backgrounds and experiences, contribute to the strength and integrity of the Federal High Court in Nigeria.
6. JUSTICE OLUKAYODE ARIWOOLA JNR
Highest Educational Qualification
Masters in Law, University Of London, 2013
Track Record
– Conducting legal research for and on behalf of the Council and Drafting Correspondence for the performance evaluation department, National Judicial Council Supreme Court of Nigeria, Three Arms Zone, Abuja. – August 2021 till date.
-Legal practitioner, Olujinmi and Akeredolu Firm, December 2011-2021
