The Supreme Court of Nigeria will have eleven new judges sworn in next week, making it the first in the court’s history to have a full complement of 21 justices.
At President Bola Tinubu’s request, the Senate approved the appointments in December 2023.
The selection of the new justices, who represent all corners of the nation, is perceived as an attempt to increase the diversity of the court.
*The justices to be sworn in are:*
1. Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR (North Central)
2. Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah (North Central)
3. Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris (North East)
4. Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (North East)
5. Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur (North West)
6. Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (North West)
7. Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa (South East)
8. Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme (South East)
9. Hon. Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya (South East)
10.Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein (South South)
11. Hon. Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru (South West)
The swearing-in event is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 16.
Many Nigerians have applauded the new justices’ selections, viewing them as evidence of the government’s dedication to upholding the law.
Critics, however, have voiced worries that the nominations were made for political reasons.