Judicial Officers of Nigeria: Qualification and Removal

A set of flashcards covering the qualifications for various judicial appointments in Nigeria and the legal procedures for the removal of judicial officers based on the 1999 Constitution.

What is the minimum post-call experience required for appointment to the State High Court, High Court of the FCT, and the Federal High Court?

At least $10$ years post-call experience.

Under which sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are the qualifications for the State High Court, FCT High Court, and Federal High Court established?

Sections $250$, $256$, and $271$.

What are the two specific requirements for a legal practitioner to be appointed to the Sharia Court of Appeal of the FCT or a State?

At least $10$ years post-call experience and a recognized qualification in Islamic law from an institution acceptable to the National Judicial Council.

What criteria must a non-legal practitioner meet for appointment to the Sharia Court of Appeal?

They must have obtained a recognized qualification in Islamic law from an institution approved by the National Judicial Council, held that qualification for not less than $12$ years, and be a distinguished scholar or have considerable experience in the practice of Islamic law.

Which sections of the Constitution govern the Sharia Court of Appeal appointments?

Sections $262$ and $276$.

What is the qualification for a legal practitioner to be appointed to the Customary Court of Appeal of a State or the FCT?

At least $10$ years post-call experience and, in the opinion of the National Judicial Council, considerable knowledge in the practice of customary law.

Can a non-legal practitioner be appointed as a judge of the Customary Court of Appeal?

Yes, if in the opinion of the National Judicial Council, they have considerable knowledge of and experience in customary law.

Under which sections are the qualifications for the Customary Court of Appeal provided?

Sections $266$ and $281$.

What is the post-call experience requirement for a justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria?

At least $15$ years post-call as provided under Section $231(3)$.

What is the post-call experience requirement for the Court of Appeal?

At least $12$ years post-call as provided under Section $238(1)$.

What are the qualifications for appointment to the National Industrial Court?

At least $10$ years post-call experience and considerable knowledge and experience in the law and practice of industrial relations and employment conditions in Nigeria.

Which legal instrument updated the appointment criteria for the National Industrial Court via Section $254B(3)$ and $(4)$?

The Third Alteration Act of $2010$.

What are the three general grounds for the removal of judicial officers?

(1) Misconduct, (2) breach of code of conduct, and (3) inability to discharge functions due to infirmity of mind or body.

What is the procedure for the removal of the heads of federal courts?

Removal is by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, acting on an address supported by a $2/3$ majority of the Senate.

According to Section $292(1)(a)(i)$, who is involved in the removal of heads of federal courts?

The President, the National Judicial Council, and the Senate.

What is the procedure for the removal of other justices or judges of the federal courts who are not the heads?

Removal is by the President upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council as per Section $292(1)(b)$.

How are the heads of state courts removed from office?

By the Governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, acting on an address supported by a $2/3$ majority of the House of Assembly of the state.

What is the procedure for the removal of other judges of state courts (excluding heads)?

By the Governor upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council under Section $292(1)(b)$.

Which section of the $1999$ Constitution provides for the removal of federal court heads through a Senate address?

Section $292(1)(a)(i)$.

Which section of the $1999$ Constitution provides for the removal of state court heads through a House of Assembly address?

Section $292(1)(a)(ii)$.