34 Lawyers Fail Integrity Test As NJC Shortlist 28 For Appointment As FHC Judges

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has revealed that 34 applicants, including a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), did not pass the integrity test for judicial appointments conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, the NJC explained that 62 candidates passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) held by the Federal High Court (FHC), but after the integrity screening, only 28 were cleared.

The council said the 62 CBT passers were sent to the FJSC for further evaluation, in line with a new integrity policy introduced by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

This policy allows the public to submit comments or complaints about shortlisted candidates.

The NJC statement said, “Sixty-two applicants passed the CBT conducted by the Federal High Court. Their names were forwarded to the FJSC.

“In line with the policy introduced by the CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the FJSC published the names of the 62 nominees to invite public feedback on their integrity, reputation and suitability for judicial appointment. The publication was made on September 17, 2025.”

According to Punch, one petition accused a serving CSP of taking bribes and lacking the integrity required to become a judge.

Submitted by a lawyer on behalf of a client, the petition claimed the officer, while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Section at Zone 7 Police Command in Abuja, demanded N1 million through a proxy to grant bail during a court enforcement on January 16, 2025.

The Police Service Commission reportedly traced the money to the officer’s account, raising serious integrity concerns.

The petitioners praised the judiciary for the integrity screening, saying it was essential to rebuild public trust, and urged the NJC to reject the CSP’s nomination.

They stated: “She is a corrupt police officer and, if appointed, would only become a corrupt judicial officer.”

After the public feedback process, the FJSC sent only 28 names to the NJC, with 34 applicants failing the integrity test.

The NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, said the council will meet on January 13 and 14 to review the selection process.

According to her, the 28 shortlisted candidates will face interviews before the council.

Ogedengbe added that the NJC is committed to upholding high standards, emphasizing that transparency and judicial integrity remain key priorities under Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun.

KanyiDaily recalls that the National Judicial Council (NJC) recently ordered the compulsory retirement of nine judges from the Imo State Judiciary for allegedly altering their dates of birth.