November 5, 2026
By Stephen Iwuh | Dalena Reporters
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved the retirement notifications of two justices of Nigeria's Supreme Court and four other judicial officers serving in different courts across the country.
The decision was reached during the Council's 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
According to the NJC, the six retirement notifications cover two justices of the Supreme Court, one justice of the Court of Appeal and three judges serving in state High Courts.
The development is significant for Nigeria's judicial system, particularly the Supreme Court, which is constitutionally expected to have a full complement of 21 justices.
Two Supreme Court justices among those retiring
The two Supreme Court justices whose retirement notifications were approved are Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa and Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji.
Justice Saulawa retired on September 29, 2026, while Justice Abba Aji is scheduled to retire on November 7, 2026.
Justice Saulawa joined the Supreme Court in November 2020, while Justice Abba Aji was elevated to the country's highest court in January 2019.
Their departures will leave the Supreme Court with two vacancies below its constitutionally prescribed full complement of 21 justices, unless replacements are appointed.
The Supreme Court had only recently returned to its full complement following the appointment of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole in February 2026.
The reduction in the number of serving justices is likely to renew discussions about the appointment process, judicial succession and the need to maintain the capacity of the country's highest court to handle its increasing workload.
Four other judicial officers also affected
The NJC also approved the retirement notifications of four other judicial officers serving in different courts.
They include Justice O. F. Omoleye of the Court of Appeal, whose retirement took effect on October 6, 2026.
Justice Ogechi Okehielem of the Abia State High Court also voluntarily retired on September 15, 2026.
Another officer, Justice Theresa Isidore Obot of the Akwa Ibom State High Court, is scheduled to retire on December 30, 2026.
The fourth is Justice Munir Muhammad Ladan of the Kaduna State High Court, whose voluntary retirement is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
The six notifications therefore include judicial officers whose retirements have already taken effect and others whose departure dates fall later in the year.
Supreme Court faces another reduction in its membership
The retirement of the two Supreme Court justices comes at a time when Nigeria's judiciary continues to face concerns about maintaining adequate judicial strength at the highest level.
The Nigerian Constitution provides for a Supreme Court consisting of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and not more than 20 other justices, making 21 the maximum and full complement.
For several years, the court struggled to maintain that number because of retirements, deaths and delays in the appointment of replacements.
The court reached its full complement again in February 2026 following the inauguration of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole.
Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun had previously described having a full Supreme Court bench as important for improving the court's ability to manage its workload, constitute panels and deliver decisions efficiently.
With the departure of Saulawa and the upcoming retirement of Abba Aji, attention is expected to turn towards the process of filling the resulting vacancies.
The appointment of Supreme Court justices involves a constitutional process requiring recommendations by the National Judicial Council and approval by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
NJC also acknowledges deaths of nine judicial officers
Beyond the six retirement notifications, the Council also acknowledged the deaths of nine judicial officers who passed away between May 1 and September 26, 2026.
Those whose deaths were acknowledged included Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Justice Sambo Sammy Daka of the Kaduna State High Court and Justice Josephine Efunkumbi Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court.
Others were Justice Musa Mohammed Dallah of the Nasarawa State High Court, Justice Bello Muhammed Shinkafi of the Zamfara State High Court, Justice Edem Nyong Okokon of the Cross River State High Court and Kadi Aliyu Mani Yauri of the Kebbi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The remaining two were Justice Dorothy Sim Inwulale of the Kaduna State Customary Court of Appeal and Justice Legor Torbira Senewo of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal.
The NJC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased judicial officers, the judiciary and the wider Nigerian legal community, while acknowledging their contributions to the administration of justice and the country.
Wider changes within Nigeria's judiciary
The retirement announcements formed part of a broader set of decisions taken at the NJC's November meeting.
The Council also recommended 28 candidates for judicial appointments across several states, including Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun.
It further recommended candidates for positions in state Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal.
In addition, the Council approved disciplinary measures against three judicial officers, who were suspended for one year without pay following investigations into allegations of misconduct.
The decisions demonstrate the Council's continuing responsibility for judicial appointments, discipline and the administration of Nigeria's judiciary.
What the retirements mean for Nigeria's justice system
The retirement of six judicial officers, including two members of the Supreme Court, represents another transition within Nigeria's judicial system.
While retirements are a normal part of judicial service, ensuring that vacancies are filled promptly remains important for maintaining the effectiveness of the courts.
For the Supreme Court in particular, the availability of sufficient justices is essential for constituting panels, handling constitutional disputes, deciding appeals and delivering judgments on matters affecting millions of Nigerians.
The latest NJC decision therefore places renewed attention on the process of replacing retiring justices and ensuring continuity in the country's highest judicial institution.
As the year approaches its end, the appointment of qualified replacements and the maintenance of judicial independence will remain important issues for Nigeria's justice system.