34 Lawyers Fail Integrity Screening, Dropped from Federal High Court Bench Race

No fewer than 34 lawyers earlier shortlisted for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court have failed the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) integrity screening and have been disqualified from the process.

The integrity test, introduced under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is designed to eliminate nominees of questionable character from judicial appointments.

Out of 62 applicants who initially passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the Federal High Court and were subsequently forwarded to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), only 28 candidates were cleared after public petitions and background checks.

A dependable source disclosed that, in line with the new policy, the names of the 62 nominees were published on September 17, 2025, to invite public feedback on their integrity, reputation and suitability for the bench.

One of the petitions reportedly indicted a female nominee accused of demanding and receiving a ₦1 million bribe in the course of handling an official assignment. Following an investigation by the Police Service Commission (PSC), the allegation was confirmed, leading to her disqualification along with several others found wanting.

The remaining 28 nominees who received clean reports will appear before the NJC interview panel next month and will subsequently be considered at the Council’s meeting scheduled for January 13–14, 2026.

Confirming the development, NJC Director of Information, Mrs. Kemi Ogedegbe, said the Council remains committed to upholding transparency and merit in judicial appointments.

“Judicial integrity remains a top priority of the Kekere-Ekun-led administration. The Council will not lower the entry standard for anyone. Only those who are found truly suitable will be appointed,” she stated.

The NJC panel is expected to conduct interviews ahead of the main meeting, after which successful candidates will be recommended for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.