ABUJA — Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has been officially shortlisted for elevation to the Court of Appeal, a development that has immediately ignited debate within Nigeria’s legal and political circles.
The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) confirmed the nomination in a public notice titled “Appointment of 12 Justices to the Court of Appeal Bench – Call for Comments.” The commission stated that the publication of nominees is a deliberate effort to foster transparency, allowing the public to scrutinize the “integrity, reputation, and suitability” of candidates before they ascend to the superior courts.
Justice Omotosho’s inclusion on the list is particularly significant due to his involvement in several high-stakes cases that have shaped the current political landscape. Most notably, he has presided over sensitive litigation regarding the protracted political crisis in Rivers State. Legal observers have frequently linked his rulings to the political interests of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leading to accusations from opposition factions of a “judicial tilt” in favor of the former governor’s camp.
Beyond political matters, Omotosho gained national prominence for presiding over the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom he sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges. While supporters of the ruling cite his “firmness” in matters of national security, critics have often questioned the procedural nuances of his high-profile judgments.
The FJSC’s call for comments serves as a formal window for the public to submit petitions or observations regarding the nominees. Alongside Omotosho, other shortlisted candidates from the Federal Capital Territory include Hon. Justice Nuhu Sumenti Adi, Hon. Justice Rosemary Indinya Kanyip, and Hon. Justice Danladi John Yakubu.
The commission has emphasized that while it encourages public participation, it has established strict guidelines to prevent frivolous or malicious petitions from stalling the recruitment process. As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, the legal community is closely monitoring the process, as the outcome of this scrutiny will determine whether Justice Omotosho successfully transitions to the appellate bench amidst the ongoing debate over judicial independence in Nigeria.
