By RismadarVoice Media
January 2, 2026
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disowned a viral media report alleging that 34 lawyers failed an “integrity test” and were consequently dropped from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court, describing the story as inaccurate, unauthorized.
In a press release dated December 31, 2025, and signed by the NJC Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., said the report currently circulating in the media did not reflect what transpired in the judicial appointment process.
According to the NJC, the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), stressing that the Council has not yet taken any decision or action regarding the candidates concerned.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the FJSC level, and no decision or action has been taken by the National Judicial Council, in respect of the candidates concerned,” the statement said.
The Council clarified that while some candidates were discontinued at the FJSC stage due to adverse findings arising from petitions submitted against them, others did not progress because they failed to attain the required qualifying scores to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.
The clarification followed media reports claiming that 34 nominees, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, failed an integrity screening conducted by the Council.
Some reports further alleged that out of 62 applicants who passed a Computer-Based Test conducted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, only 28 candidates emerged successful after integrity checks.
However, the NJC insisted that such reports were speculative, misleading; warning that their publication could unfairly damage the reputation of candidates who participated in the process in good faith.
“The Council notes with concern that the publication of inaccurate and speculative details has the potential to mislead the public and unjustly impugn the reputation of candidates,” Saleh stated.
The NJC Secretary also disclosed that the Council has commenced internal investigations to identify the source of the unauthorized press statement and would take appropriate steps to protect the credibility of its procedures.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness, due process, and the highest standards of judicial integrity, the Council urged journalists to always seek clarification from authorized channels before reporting on sensitive institutional matters.
