The Supreme Court of Nigeria has sworn in 11 new justices.

On Monday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, presided over a swearing-in ceremony for 11 newly appointed Supreme Court justices. The ceremony, held in the main courtroom of the court, marked the official confirmation of their appointments by the Senate on December 21, 2023.

Some of the Justices are Jummai Hannatu Sankey, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Simon Tsammani and  Moore Aseimo A. Adumein.

Others are Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Stephen Jonah Adah, Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris.

Justice Ariwoola reminded them to uphold the rule of law and maintain impartiality in their decisions. Emphasizing the importance of diligence and commitment, he noted the depleted ranks of the Supreme Court due to retirements and deaths.



“As new justices of this Honourable Court,” Justice Ariwoola stated, “you are joining us at a critical juncture, with our ranks at an all-time low of 10 justices. Your Lordships are seasoned judicial officers transitioning from the Court of Appeal, and your moral uprightness, integrity, and respect for the Constitution must be unwavering,” he said. 


In addition to upholding moral integrity, Justice Ariwoola urged the justices not to let personal ambitions or external pressures influence their judgments. 

He emphasized the inevitability of criticism, especially given the high expectations placed on the final court of the land, and advised the justices to let their conscience guide their decisions.


“While criticisms may arise,” Justice Ariwoola continued, “your judgment must align with what God expects of you and the Constitution. Pleasing everyone is impossible, and your focus should be on serving justice with integrity,” he urged. 


Justice Ariwoola encouraged the justices to be prepared for criticism, especially as they assume duties in the final court of the land, where appellants’ expectations are often very high and infectious.


He advised them to let their conscience guide and filter every thought that traverses their minds from that moment.


Moreover, he asked the justices not to allow their ambition or any extraneous considerations to cloud their sense of judgment.


He reminded them that there is no way they can please everyone, especially litigants and that the only deity they should fear is the Almighty God.


He stated that the new justices are to be prepared for criticism, especially as they assume duties in the final court of the land, where appellants’ expectations are often very high and infectious.



“Your interactions with people of unenviable inclinations and pedigree, if any, must be halted forthwith. Let your conscience guide and filter every thought that traverses your mind from this moment.”



“I want to assure you that more opportunities like this will come your way, especially as you now assume duties in the final Court of the land, where appellants’ expectations are often very high and infectious. There is no way you can please everyone, especially litigants. That is the reality! However, I am making it abundantly clear to your Lordships that the easiest way to fall in life is by trying to please everyone. The only deity you should fear is the Almighty God. Once your judgment is in line with what God expects from you and is also by the Constitution, you should consider yourself the happiest and freest person on earth. Apart from that, everything else you hear around you is mere noise or baseless agitation, which will naturally fade away when the chips are down.”


“As new Justices of this Honourable Court, Your Lordships should note that you are coming on board at the time when our rank had been grossly depleted to an all-time low of 10 Justices for several reasons; mainly retirements and deaths. We heartily welcome Your Lordships to our fold and wish you an eventful and pleasurable sojourn in the Apex Court of our dear country.”


“Your Lordships are all seasoned judicial officers transiting from the Court of Appeal; and have, accordingly, established some remarkable acquaintances with judicial oath and rules guiding the conduct of judicial officers, especially at the appellate level. Your moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the Constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable,” he added.