Public scrutiny has intensified over the composition of a National Judicial Council (NJC) panel tasked with interviewing candidates for judicial appointments, amid claims of favoritism and insider dealings.

Sources allege that Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, a member of the panel, has a daughter listed among the candidates, raising serious conflict-of-interest concerns. The panel is chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro and includes Justices Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Bode Rhodes-Vivour, alongside Nigerian Bar Association leaders Afam Osigwe and Yakubu Maikyau.

Critics claim that the panel was partly composed to benefit insider candidates, including a foster child and research assistant of the chairman, allegedly prioritized for a position from Akwa Ibom State. Retired justices were brought in to fill gaps caused by scheduling conflicts of other members.

Human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Odinkalu commented on social media, expressing concern over the apparent lack of impartiality:

“The new addition to the panel is the father of a daughter who herself is going to be interviewed by the panel. Apparently, our judges in #Nigeria do not play by the rules of #ConflictOfInterest!”

Legal experts argue that such arrangements erode public trust in the judiciary and are calling for stricter oversight and transparent procedures to ensure fairness in judicial appointments.