Supreme Court of Nigeria Achieves Full Bench of 21 Justices

On February 25, 2025, Chief Justice Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Keker Ekun swore in Justice Joseph Oyewole, bringing the total number of justices on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to its maximum of 21. This achievement marks the second time the apex court has reached its full complement within a short period, following the appointment of 11 justices recommended by President Bola Tinubu in February 2024.

The full bench is expected to improve the efficiency of the court and address the significant backlog of cases. Prior to Oyewole's appointment, the court operated with only 20 justices, which created a heavy burden on the judicial system.

The Supreme Court, as the final court in the country, is crucial for delivering justice in various legal matters, and having a complete panel will facilitate quicker hearings and determinations of appeals.