The National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally 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. The Council described the publication as inaccurate, unauthorised, and misleading.
In a press release dated 31st December 2025, signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., the NJC clarified that the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). The Council stressed that it has not yet taken any decision or action regarding the candidates concerned.
According to the NJC, while a few candidates were discontinued at the FJSC stage due to adverse findings arising from petitions submitted against them, others simply failed to progress because they did not attain the qualifying scores required to advance to the NJC interview stage.
“The Council states categorically that the report is inaccurate and unauthorised, and therefore does not reflect the true position of events as they transpired at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission,” the statement read.
The clarification followed widespread reports suggesting that 34 nominees, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, had failed an “integrity test” allegedly conducted by the NJC.
The Council emphasised that while 62 applicants had passed the Computer‑Based Test conducted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, only 28 advanced further after the FJSC’s screening process. It warned that speculative and inaccurate publications risk misleading the public and unfairly damaging the reputation of candidates who participated in good faith.
Saleh further disclosed that the NJC has commenced internal investigations to identify the source of the unauthorised press statement and will take appropriate steps to safeguard the credibility of its procedures.
Reassuring Nigerians, the Council reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, due process, and the highest standards of judicial integrity, while urging journalists and stakeholders to seek clarification from authorised channels before reporting on sensitive institutional matters.
