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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disclosed that 34 applicants, including a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), failed the integrity test for judicial appointments conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).
Ejes Gist News reports that the council, in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, explained that while 62 candidates passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) administered by the Federal High Court, only 28 nominees emerged successful following the integrity screening process.
Public-Feedback-Based Integrity Test
According to the NJC, the 62 candidates who passed the CBT were forwarded to the FJSC for further evaluation under an integrity policy introduced by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun’s policy allows for public feedback on nominees, giving citizens the opportunity to submit petitions or comments on candidates’ integrity, reputation, and suitability for judicial office.
The NJC stated:
“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.”
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Allegations Against a CSP
One petition, seen by Ejes Gist News, accused a serving CSP of soliciting bribes and lacking the integrity required for a judicial appointment.
The legal practitioner filing the complaint alleged that while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Section at Zone 7 Police Command, Abuja, the CSP demanded ₦1 million through a proxy to grant bail during a court enforcement exercise on January 16, 2025.
Investigations by the Police Service Commission reportedly traced the money to the CSP’s account, supporting claims of compromised integrity.
The petitioners praised the NJC for implementing the integrity screening process, stating that it was critical to restoring public confidence in the judiciary. They urged the council to reject the CSP’s nomination, describing her as a “corrupt officer who would become a corrupt judge if appointed.”
Shortlisted Nominees and Next Steps
Following the public-feedback process, the FJSC forwarded only 28 names to the NJC, with 34 applicants failing the integrity test.
Kemi Ogedengbe, Deputy Director of Information at the NJC, confirmed that the council is scheduled to meet on January 13 and 14 to deliberate on issues arising from the selection process.
She added that the 28 shortlisted nominees would face the council’s interview panel ahead of the meeting. Ogedengbe emphasized that the NJC remains committed to maintaining high standards of transparency and judicial integrity under the leadership of Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun.
Key Takeaways:
- 62 candidates passed the CBT; only 28 were cleared after integrity screening.
- 34 nominees, including a CSP, failed the public-feedback-based integrity test.
- The process highlights the NJC’s focus on judicial accountability and transparency.
