The National Judicial Council has disclosed that 34 applicants, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, failed the judges’ appointment integrity test conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
The council made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, explaining that while 62 applicants passed the Computer-Based Test conducted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, only 28 nominees emerged successful after the integrity screening.
According to the NJC, the 62 candidates who passed the CBT were forwarded to the FJSC for further assessment in line with the integrity policy recently introduced by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Upon assuming office, Justice Kekere-Ekun introduced a public-feedback-based integrity test for judicial appointments, allowing members of the public to submit petitions or comments on shortlisted nominees.
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.”
One petition, sighted by The PUNCH, accused a serving CSP of collecting bribes and lacking the requisite integrity to be appointed as a judge.
The petition, submitted by a legal practitioner on behalf of a client, alleged that the officer had a reputation for soliciting bribes, rendering her unsuitable for judicial office.
The petition alleged that while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Section at Zone 7 Police Command, Abuja, the CSP demanded N1m through a proxy to grant bail during a court enforcement exercise on January 16, 2025.
The petitioners claimed that the matter was investigated by the Police Service Commission, and the money was traced to the CSP’s account, demonstrating a lack of integrity.
The petitioners commended the judiciary for the integrity screening process, calling it necessary to restore public confidence in the justice system.
They urged the NJC to reject the CSP’s nomination, stating: “She is a corrupt police officer and, if appointed, would only become a corrupt judicial officer.”
Following the public feedback process, the FJSC forwarded only 28 names to the NJC, with 34 nominees failing the integrity test.
The Council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, confirmed that the NJC is scheduled to meet on January 13 and 14 to deliberate on issues arising from the selection process.
She said the 28 shortlisted nominees would face the council’s interview panel ahead of the meeting.
Ogedengbe added that the council remained resolute in maintaining high standards, stressing that transparency and judicial integrity remain top priorities under the administration of Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun.
