The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has unveiled the names of 62 candidates shortlisted for appointment to the Federal High Court, in what is being described as one of the most competitive and transparent judicial selection processes in recent years.
The announcement, published in national dailies on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and sighted by TRIBUNE ONLINE, invites Nigerians to submit comments on the integrity, reputation, and suitability of the nominees within 14 days.
The FJSC, headquartered at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, stressed that the shortlisting followed a rigorous computer-based test conducted by the Federal High Court.
Although only 14 judges will be appointed, the wide pool of 62 nominees—drawn from private practice, government ministries, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), academia, and state judiciaries—reflects the depth of Nigeria’s legal talent and the commitment to uphold judicial excellence.
This initiative is part of the FJSC’s standing policy, in collaboration with State Judicial Service Commissions and the FCT Judicial Service Committee, to publish candidate shortlists in national newspapers. The goal, the Commission emphasized, is to invite scrutiny and feedback from the Nigerian public, ensuring only individuals of unquestionable character and competence ascend to the bench.
Below is the full list of shortlisted candidates, organized by state:
Shortlisted Candidates by State
Abia
1. Esowe-Osunwa Nneka Marilyn – Federal High Court, Abuja
2. Igboko Chinelo Conchita – Federal Ministry of Works (Legal Adviser’s Office), Lagos
3. Enyidiya Uma-Onwunta – High Court of Justice, Abia State
4. Uguru Eme Uguru – High Court of Justice, Abia State
Akwa Ibom
1. Kuyik Uduak Usoro – Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja
2. Ekaete Mercy Efobi – Federal High Court, Lagos Division
3. Kufre Ekpenyong Uduak – EFCC, Sokoto Zonal Office
4. Mary Ukeje Emenike – High Court of Justice, Abia State
Cross River
1. Mercy Toney Ene – Cross River State Judiciary, Calabar
2. Ekeng Bassey Kooffreh – Private Practice, Calabar
3. Joy Bassey Ikpeme – Ministry of Justice, Calabar
4. Nkechi Yvonne Usani – Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, Calabar
Enugu
1. Ifeoma Chinyere Uzoefuna – National Judicial Institute, Abuja
2. Chika Vivienne Nnamani – National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abuja
3. Nnesochi Nweze-Iloekwe – Enugu State Judiciary, Enugu
4. Osinachi Donatus Nwoye – Private Practice, Enugu
Imo
1. Blessing Nkechi Ezeala – Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja
2. Eunice Ugonma Fidelis-Iwuagwu – Private Practice, Port Harcourt
3. Chioma Angela Onuegbu – Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja
4. Izuchukwu Obiefuna Akwazie – Private Practice, Onitsha, Anambra State
Kaduna
1. Shehu Umaru Adamu – Federal High Court, Bauchi Division
2. Fidelia Yakandi Akaahs – National Industrial Court, Kaduna Division
3. Yakusak Aduak – Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus
4. Samson Irimiya Magaji – Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State
5. Aliyu Lamido – Kaduna State Judiciary, Kaduna
Kwara
1. Sulaiman Amida Hassan – Federal High Court Headquarters, Abuja
2. Ronke Shakirat Olayide Odogun – Private Practice, Lagos
3. Ayoola Idowu Akande – Ministry of Justice, Kwara State
4. Adebola Mercy Feyisayo – Kwara State Judiciary, Ilorin
5. Nuhu Abubakar Babatunde – Ministry of Justice, Kwara State
6. Rasheed Omotayo Rasheedat – Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division
Nasarawa
1. David Nguntsu Meshi – Private Practice, Nasarawa State
2. Edward Liman Ali – Nasarawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, Lafia
3. Suleiman Jibirl – Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja
4. Muhammed Bashiru Ramalan – National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Abuja
5. Ibrahim Vera Eneabo – High Court of Justice, FCT-Abuja
6. Mohammed Ibrahim Buba – EFCC Headquarters, Abuja
7. Shehu Othman Yakubu – Federal High Court, Sokoto Division
8. Abubakar Saidu Ibrahim – Private Practice, Bauchi State
9. Anzewu Simon Aliyu – Private Practice, Nasarawa State
Plateau
1. Peres David Mann – Private Practice, Plateau State
2. Judith Nendelmun Binjin-Eigege – National Judicial Institute, Abuja
3. Eunice Vou Dalyop – EFCC Headquarters, Abuja
4. Simi Drenkat – National Industrial Court, Abuja
Sokoto
1. Muhammad Barau Saidu – Sokoto State Judicial Service Commission, Sokoto
2. Sanusi Musa Galadanchi – EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office
Oyo
1. Muhammad Marafa – High Court of Justice, Sokoto State
2. Anas Aliyu Abbas – Private Practice, Sokoto State
Taraba
1. Ibrahim Aji Joshua – Federal High Court, Abuja
2. Mary Dynaise Gomwalk – Federal High Court, Abuja
3. Galumje Edingah – Federal High Court, Abuja
4. Punarimam Babatunde Balogun (née Yakubu) – High Court of Justice, FCT-Abuja
Zamfara
1. Saidu Umar Gummi – High Court of Justice, Gusau
2. Musa Usman Abubakar – Baze University, Abuja
3. Hayatu Sani – Nigerian Deposit Insurance Company, Abuja
4. Nasiru Ahmad – Federal Inland Revenue Service, Kaduna
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
1. Yahaya Saidu – FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja
2. Aisha Salihu – Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja
3. Aisha Mohammed – FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja
4. Suleiman Onozasi Munirat – FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja
Public Participation Guidelines
The FJSC urges members of the public to send in written comments regarding the nominees’ competence, integrity, and general suitability for the bench. Submissions are expected within the stipulated 14-day window, after which the Commission will forward its recommendations to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for final consideration.
This move, analysts say, underscores the Commission’s determination to build a judiciary that is not only competent but also enjoys the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people.
FULL LIST: FJSC Shortlists 62 Candidates for Federal High Court Bench — Public Invited to Scrutinize Nominees
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