Public scrutiny has drastically reshaped the list of prospective Federal High Court judges as 34 out of 62 nominees failed an integrity and suitability screening conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).
The nominees, whose names were published on September 17, 2025, were subjected to public vetting after passing an initial Computer-Based Test (CBT). Petitions received from members of the public raised concerns over the character and professional conduct of several candidates, prompting investigations that led to widespread disqualification.
A reliable source disclosed that only 28 nominees have now been cleared and forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for final consideration. The candidates are expected to appear before the NJC interview panel in January 2026 as the Council prepares to fill 14 vacancies on the Federal High Court bench.
The NJC is scheduled to meet on January 13 and 14, 2026, to review the outcome of the selection process under newly approved guidelines aimed at preventing individuals of questionable integrity from joining the judiciary
One of the petitions alleged that a serving female police officer on the nomination list demanded and received a ₦1 million bribe in the course of official duties. The allegation was reportedly confirmed by the Police Service Commission, which recommended disciplinary action and referred the matter to anti-corruption agencies.
Confirming the development, the NJC Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Ogedegbe, said the Council would deliberate on the screening exercise in mid-January, stressing that judicial standards would not be compromised.
