The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, is set to swear in 12 new judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on July 10, 2024. The ceremony will take place at the Supreme Court's Main Courtroom at 10:00 am. The new judges include Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria, the CJN's daughter-in-law, and Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike, the daughter of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The list of judges also includes Justice Buetnaan Mandy Bassi from Plateau State, Justice Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo from Kwara State, and Justice Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi from Lagos State. Others are Justice Iheabunike Anumaenwe Godwin from Imo State, Justice Odo Celestine Obinna from Enugu State, Justice Hauwa Lawal Gummi from Zamfara State, and Justice Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh from Bayelsa State.
The National Judicial Council recommended 86 judicial officers for appointment in federal and state courts across the country on May 17, 2024. The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant milestone in the careers of the new judges, who are expected to dispense justice and uphold the rule of law in the Federal Capital Territory. The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries from the judiciary, executive, and legislative arms of government, as well as members of the legal profession.