The National Judicial Council has  screened 22 shortlisted justices on Tuesday at the Committee Room of the NJC in Abuja, of which 11 successful candidates will be forwarded to the Presidency for appointment into the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The priority candidates include Justice Jummai Sankey; Justice Stephen Adah; Justice Mohammed Idris; Justice Abubakar Umar; Justice Chidiebere Uwa; Justice Obande Ogbuinya; Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu; Justice Moore Adumein; and Justice Habeeb Abiru.

The names of the reserved candidates are Justice Muhammad Sirajo; justice Ridwan Abdullahi; Justice Joseph Ikyegh; Justice Abubakar Talba; Justice Balkisu Aliyu; Justice Abdullahi Bayero; Justice Onyekachi Otisi; Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua; Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Justice Biobele Georgewill; and Justice Oyewole Kayode.

The apex court was reduced to 10 justices following the retirement of Musa Dattijo. His retirement came after that of Justice Amina Augie on September 22, 2023, and the death of Justice Chima Nweze on July 31, 2023.

The 10 justices at the Supreme Court fall short of the 21 stipulated by section 230(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Nominees have to go through security checks before they are appointed into the offices.