34 lawyers have been disqualified from appointments as Federal High Court judges, after failing an integrity test spearheaded by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The candidates were among the 62 applicants who had successfully passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and were shortlisted by the Federal High Court. However, their path to the bench was cut short after the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) subjected them to a public-feedback-driven integrity screening.
The screening process was aimed towards a rigorous filter to ensure only those with untainted reputations proceed to the final stages.
Unlike previous years where screenings were often opaque, CJN Kekere-Ekun’s administration has introduced a public-facing verification model. Members of the public, civil society, and legal peers were invited to submit information on the nominees’ integrity and reputation.
Petitions were not just accepted but investigated by relevant bodies like the PSC and DSS to verify claims before disqualification.
NJC Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Ogedegbe, emphasized that the council is determined not to lower the entry-point bar, no matter who is involved.
Transparency and judicial integrity have remained a top priority for the Kekere-Ekun-led administration. There is no going back on that. Merit is the only factor that will come into play – Mrs. Kemi Ogedegbe, NJC Director of Information
The remaining 28 candidates who received a clean bill of health are now scheduled for the final hurdle with an interview scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2026, while with NJC Plenary Scheduled for January 13 and 14, 2026, where the council will make final recommendations for appointments.
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