Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KEKERE-EKUN GCON, JSC (Nee Fasinro) was born on May 7, 1958. She obtained her LL. B in 1980 from the University of Lagos and LL.M from the London School of Economic and Political Science in November 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on 10th July 1981.

From 1985 to 1989 she was in private practise and was later appointed a Senior Magistrate Grade II, Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996. She served as Chairman Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos from November 1996 to May 1999.

Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Court of Appeal on 22nd September 2004 where she served in various Divisions of the Court and as presiding Justice of two Divisions of the Court (Makurdi & Akure).

She was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the 5^th female Justice of the Court and was sworn-in on Monday 8 July 2013.

She has attended numerous courses and seminars within and outside Nigeria and also received several merit awards.

Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun is a life Bencher, a Member of the International Association of Women Judges and currently its President.

She is happily married with children.

Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, was born on 11^th July, 1959 in Nung Ukim, Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He attended Methodist School, Nung Ukim from 1965-1972, Boys High School, Oron from 1973-1977, School of Arts &Science, Uyo 1979-1981 and the University of Lagos from 1981-1984. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, started his legal career as Magistrate Grade 11 in 1986 and rose through the Magisterial Cadre culminating in his promotion to the post of Chief Magistrate Grade 1 in 1996. He was then appointed a Judge of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State from 1998-2006. His Lordship was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2006 and served in that capacity up to 2013. He was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and sworn in on 15^th November, 2013.

He became the Deputy Chairman of the Council in 2024.

His Lordship has over the years served in different capacities and bodies; Member, Election Petition Tribunal, Kano, 1998, Member, Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal, Ondo State, 2003, Member, Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal No.2 Delta State, 2003. He has also attended several seminars, workshops and conferences both locally and internationally. His Lordship was elevated to the Supreme Court on the 15^th November, 2013.

In addition, he is a Member, Board of Governors National Judicial Institute (NJI), Chairman, Education Committee of Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Member, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and Chairman, Rules and Regulations Committee of the Body of Benchers.

He is happily married with children.

Hon Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem was born on 13th June, 1957, to the family of M.B. Douglas-Mensem; a retired Appeal Court Justice.

He hails from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. He got both her LL.B and LL.M degrees from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

 He was a Visiting Lecturer on Press Law at the Catholic Media Centre, Kaduna from 1988-1992 and Part-time Lecturer at the University of Jos between 1989 and 1997.

From 1990-1993, Justice Dongban-Mensem served as Deputy Chief Registrar, Superior Courts and Protocol Affairs, and was appointed Judge, High Court of Justice, Plateau Judiciary from 1993-1996.

Hon Justice Dongban-Mensem transferred his service to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Judiciary in 1997, where he served until he was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2003.

He was sworn-in as the President, Court of Appeal, on 19th June, 2020, by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Until this recent elevation, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, and Life Member of Body of Benchers.

His leisure is writing, reading, golfing working with children, women and the elderly. The judge is a mother of four children and two grandchildren.

Hon. Justice Amiru Sanusi, OFR was born 2^nd February, 1950, in Funtua, Funtua LGA of Katsina State. He started his primary education in Gudindi Elementary School, Funtua, in 1957 and obtained his Elementary School Leaving Certificate in 1961. He continued to Aya Primary School and got his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1963. He proceeded to Government Secondary School Funtua where he obtained his Secondary School Leaving Certificate and GCE in 1968.

He started his work career as a Clerical Assistant with The Nigerian Railway Corporation in 1969, before moving to the Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources Kaduna, as a Clerical Officer in 1970. He gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University in 1972 for a Diploma Program in Law on Study Leave. Upon completion of the Diploma Program in 1974, he went on to study a Degree in Law and obtained his LLB in 1977.

He was then transferred to the High Court of Kaduna State where he got advancement from the position of Assistant Registrar to Higher Registrar in 1977. He was called to Bar in 1978 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

Hon. Justice Amiru Sanusi, OFR was upgraded to Magistrate Grade II after his NYSC in Imo State. He grew up the ranks to become a Senior Magistrate I. He was seconded to The Niger River Basin Authority Kwara State in 1981, where he worked as a Principal Assistant Secretary (Legal) until 1983. He was de-seconded to Kaduna State Judiciary on advancement to the rank of Ag. Chief Magistrate II and was later promoted to the rank of Chief Magistrate I in 1987.

His Lordship was deployed as Director of Public Prosecution upon the creation of Katsina State under its Ministry of Justice, and he became the first Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State in 1989.

His Lordship was sworn-in as a High Court Judge in Katsina State Judiciary in early 1990, and in 1998 he was elevated to The Court of Appeal.

Hon Justice Amiru Sanusi, OFR was sworn-in as a Justice of The Supreme Court in 2015, where he served until his retirement in February, 2020. He chaired several commissions of Inquiries and attended notable professional courses both home and abroad. He was appointed a member of Council in 2020.

His Lordship is married and blessed with children.

Hon Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1, Emir of Lafia Bare Bari and Chairman Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs was born in Lafia, Nasarawa State on 22nd June, 1956. He started his academic sojourn at the Dunoma Primary School Lafia 1963 and went on to attend Government Secondary School Lafia between 1970-1974. He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, 1975 and graduated in 1980. He proceeded to The Nigerian Law school Lagos, in 1980 and was called to Bar in 1981.

Hon Justice Bage started his work career as a Magistrate II in August, 1982 and became a Chief Magistrate in 1989. He rose to the position of Deputy Chief Registrar in 1990, and was made a Chief Registrar in 1991.

He was appointed a High Court Judge on the 9th of November 1992 and was elevated as Justice of The Court of Appeal on the 10th of December 2007.

Hon Justice Bage was appointed a Justice of The Supreme Court of Nigeria on the 17th of January 2017.

He was selected as Emir of Lafia Nasarawa State on the 26th of March 2019 and became a Member of Council in July, 2020.

He has attended various courses in Nigeria and abroad and has served on several ad-hoc appointments.

On 22nd of March 1951, a bouncing baby boy was born to the family of Honourable Justice (Chief) Akinwumi R. W. Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos Island. According to customs and tradition, he was named eight days after as Olabode Rhodes-Vivour.

He started primary school in 1956. And quite unusually, he attended three (3) different primary schools i.e. Maryland Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, St. Msthias Primary School, Akure, and Ibadan District Council School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1963.

Between 1963 and 1968, Honourable Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour attended St. Gregory's College, Lagos. In 1970, he wrote and passed his Advanced Level Certificate Examinations and proceeded to University of Lagos for his undergraduate studies. He graduated from University of Lagos in 1974 with honours, and thereafter he was admitted into the Nigerian Law School, and was called to the Bar in 1975.

 As soon as he was called to Bar, he began to practice in his calling and by 1976, he became a Pupil State Counsel, shortly after, in 1978, he became a State Counsel and by 1982, he had become a Senior State Counsel. He was promoted to the position of a Principal State Counsel in 1984 and in 1989, he became Director of Public Prosecutions (D. P. P.) Lagos State, this position he held till 1994.

On the 18th of February 1994, he was appointed to the Bench as a High Court Judge. After many years of experience on the Bench at the High Court, he was elevated to the Bench of the Court of Appeal on the 25th of April 2005.

In 2008 on secondment by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he was posted to Sierra Leone Judiciary as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone. At his return to Nigeria, after this posting, he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the 16th of September 2010.

He has attended various international and local professional conferences.

He is a recipient of many excellent awards, prominent among these awards are:

1. An honourable award by Lagos State Government for Outstanding Contribution to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, 2003.
2. Lagos State Judiciary Merit Awards in recognition of Invaluable Service to the High Court of Lagos State, December 2003.

 Honourable Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour is a social person, who sometimes relaxes and socializes with friends. He is a member of both Ikoyi and Islands Clubs of Lagos, and his hobbies are reading, watching sports, movies and documentaries.

He retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2021, and was appointed a member of the National Judicial Council same year.

Honourable Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour is happily married to Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, and they are blessed with three (3) children.

Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, CFR, JSC (Rtd), DSSRS, is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with a remarkable career spanning over 44 years in the judiciary. Born on May 12, 1952, in Amudi Obizi, Ezinihitte-Mbaise, Imo State, she is the third woman to ascend to the Supreme Court Bench since its inception in 1963 and was recognized as the most senior female judicial officer in Nigeria as of 2022. Her extensive experience encompasses both civil and criminal procedures, she has made significant contributions to the Nigerian judicial system through her roles in various high-profile judicial and legal bodies, including the National Judicial Council and the Body of Benchers.

Justice Peter-Odili's educational background includes an LLB from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a BL from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. Throughout her career, she has held numerous influential positions, such as Pro-Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology and Chairman of the NJC Interview Committee. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards and honors, including the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS). She has also been actively involved in community service, particularly through The Adolescent Project (TAP), which she founded to provide education and empowerment to vulnerable adolescents.

In addition to her judicial accomplishments, Justice Mary Peter-Odili has delivered numerous keynote addresses and published papers on various legal topics, reflecting her deep commitment to the rule of law and judicial excellence. She has held leadership positions in several legal associations and contributed to significant legislative developments, such as the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Married to Dr. Peter Chinweike Otunuya Odili and a mother of four, Justice Peter-Odili continues to be an influential figure in Nigeria's legal landscape, admired for her integrity, diligence, and forthrightness.

Yahaya A. D. was born on 27 January 1952 in Tudunwada, Zaria, Kaduna State. He attended primary and secondary schools in Sabon-Gari, Zaria Town School No 1 Zaria City, Minna, Mubi Abuja and Kings College, Lagos, where he obtained his H. S. C. Certificate 1971. He then proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in September 1972 and graduated in 1975 with an LLB degree. He then attended the Nigeria Law School, Lagos from 1975 to 1976 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1976. He then attended the compulsory National Youth Service in Imo from 1976 to 1977. Upon completion, he commenced work with the Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State in July 1977 as a State Counsel.  He then went to Ghana for training in Legislative Drafting for one academic year in 1978. He was a legislative Counsel with the Kaduna State House of Assembly from 1979 to 1983. He was then appointed as the Chief legal draftsman in 1984. He rose to the position of Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in 1985. In 1988, he was elevated to the position of the High Court Judge, Kaduna State. He was seconded to the Gambia Judiciary on Bilateral Agreement in 1997.

Whilst in the Gambia, he worked hard and rose to be the President of the Court of Appeal, Gambia. He was later appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia.

In 2007, Justice Yahaya (Rtd) was appointed a Justice to the Court of Appeal and has served and sat in many division of the Court of Appeal, Nigeria. He was the presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kano and Abuja division. He retired in January, 2021.

In the course of his career, Justice Yahaya attended many courses, conferences and seminars both within and outside Nigeria to improve his knowledge.

His Lordship is married and blessed with children.     

Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho was born on 24^th June, 1959, in Mbaduku, Vandeikya L.G.A of Benue State. He began his educational sojourn in 1967 at St. Anthony’s Primary School, Chenge-Mbaduku, where he got his First School Leaving Certificate, and went on to attend St. Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1977. He also enrolled at the Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology, Makurdi, where he sat for the IJMBE A\L in 1979, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, in 1980 where he bagged his LLB (HONS) in 1984. Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1985.

He began his career as a Legal Assistant at Delta Ltd Port Harcourt, where he carried out the one year mandatory Service to the nation (NYSC) from 1985-1986. He had a stint at Sena Chambers in Gboko, Benue State, where he was a Private Legal Counsel in 1986, before settling for a career with the Benue State Judiciary same year, as an Inspector of Area Courts. From 1988-1996, Hon Justice Tsoho rose from the position of Magistrate Grade II to become the Chief Magistrate Grade I. he served as Director Litigation from May, 1996- October of same year. He was appointed the Substantive Chief Registrar, High Court of Benue State, October, 1997, a position which he held in Acting capacity prior to this time.

Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho was sworn-in as a Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria on 12^th November, 1998, where he served illustriously, until his elevation to the position of Chief Judge, Federal High Court, on 13^th December, 2019.

Hon Justice Tsoho has attended series of workshops on Law, Judiciary and Administration, both local and international.  He has also served on several Tribunals and Committees, some of which he chaired, and held many elevated positions in notable professional bodies around the globe.

He has a good grasp of Microsoft Office Applications and enjoys reading, jogging and listening to music. He is married and blessed with children.

Hon. Justice Kanyip was appointed a Judge of the National Industrial Court in 2000 for an initial period of four years although with eligibility for a renewal for a further term of four years. In June 2004, having completed the first term, his appointment for another term of four years was renewed, and he is now a tenured Judge of the Court. Professor Kanyip attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for his LLB, and the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Nigeria for his BL. After the mandatory one-year national service, he took up a teaching appointment as a Lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1987; and rose to the position of Lecturer II before leaving in 1992 for the National Commission for Colleges of Education as Legal Adviser in the rank of Principal Legal Officer. In 1995 he was appointed Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and rose through this appointment to the rank of Associate Research Professor of Law in 2000 when he joined the Court. Professor Kanyip is the author of numerous scholarly articles in the areas of consumer law, labour law, tax law and commercial law. He is the author of the book, Consumer Protection in Nigeria: Law, Theory and Policy (2005) and a joint author of the text: Elements of Commercial Law (1994). Professor Kanyip has had professional dealings and done consultancies for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria on labour related areas. He is a member of the International Bar Association; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; Life Member and Deputy President II, Nigerian Society of International Law. He is a contributing editor of several academic law journals. Professor Kanyip is widely travelled. He became the substantive President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria on 13^th December, 2019.

Hon Justice Kashim Zannah was appointed Judge of the High Court of Borno State, Nigeria in 1997 and Chief Judge in the year 2006. He siits on the boards of several international bodies in the field of law and justice, like the International Association of Refugee Law Judges (IARLJ), International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISRCL} and the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute (CJEI).

 He was awarded the Medal of the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISRCL} in 2012 and the United States National Centre for State Courts (NCSC) Distinguished Service Award in 2013.

He partnered with UNODC in undertaking evidence based judicial reform in Borno State starting with a baseline assessment in the year 2002 and second assessment in 2007. A few measures were implemented until a third assessment, planned for the year 2012 was interrupted by the Boko Haram insurgency.

He is currently also engaged in a major national judicial reform undertaking, as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) Judicial Information Technology Committee (JITCOM) that is in the process of automating court processes in Nigeria.

He was reappointed as member of National Judicial Council in 2021.

His Lordship was born on the 5th May, 1959. His Lordship is from Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. His Lordship attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Broad Street, Lagos from 1965 to 1970. She continued her education at Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School, Abeokuta from 1971 to 1976. She obtained her ‘A’ Level Certificate at Ahmaddiya College, Agege, Lagos in 1978. His Lordship studied Law at University of Buckingham, England from January 1979 to February 1981. She served at Nigeria Ports Authority, Lagos in 1981. She attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos and was called to the Bar in 1982.

His Lordship started her Law Career as a Pupil State Counsel at Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos and rose to the rank of Senior State Counsel in 1984. She transferred her service to the Ogun State Judiciary in January 1985 as a Magistrate and rose to the position of Senior Magistrate II. She later transferred to Oyo/Osun State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate in 1989. Thereafter, His Lordship worked as Counsel at the Law Firm of Toye Coker & Co. in 1991. His Lordship set up her Law Firm, Mosun Dipeolu & Co. and was the Principal Partner from 1992 to 1995. She was appointed as Chief Magistrate I at the Ogun State Judiciary in November 1995, a position she held until May 1999 when His Lordship was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Ogun State on 4th May, 1999, a day to her 40th birthday anniversary.

His Lordship was a Member, House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in 1998. She was the Chairman of the National and House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Benue State from April to October 2015 and Adamawa State between April and July 2016. His Lordship was appointed as the Acting Chief Judge of Ogun State on 29th of August, 2018 and was sworn in as the Chief Judge of Ogun State on 22nd October, 2018. She serves in that capacity till date.

His Lordship is a member of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, the Body of Benchers, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee and a member of the National Judicial Council.
His Lordship is also a member of the International Dispute Resolution Institute (IDRI), a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators and the Institute of Human and Natural Resources.
His Lordship was honoured with a doctorate degree in Advanced Transformational Leadership and Management in 2020 by Geofidel Executive Education, London in conjunction with Harvard Business School, USA.
His Lordship has participated as discussants at several workshops, delivered several papers and contributed to books. Her hobbies are travelling, listening to music and meeting people. His Lordship loves children and established an orphanage. She is a mother and grand-mother.

His Lordship Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu was born on 24^th May, 1961.

After his primary education, he proceeded to Federal Government College Port Harcourt and Federal Government College Enugu where he obtained “O” level and “A” level qualifications in 1977 and 1979, respectively.

He obtained LLB (Hons.) Degree from University of Lagos in 1983 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. He started his career in Private Legal Practice, with Senator Anah SAN and Associates Chambers (5 years pupillage) in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Prior to his elevation as High Court Judge in 2005, he was the head of his own chambers – Onochie Anyachebelu & Co. for 15 years. He was appointed a Notary Public in 1997. He attended National and International Conferences and was member of Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal in 2011.

He is a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (FCArb) and Nigerian Institute of Mediation and Conciliation (FICMC).

His Lordship is the substantive Chief Judge of Anambra State, effective from 18^th February, 2020. He is happily married and blessed with 4 children.

THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE SOKOTO STATE HIGH COURT 

Hon Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme was born on 21st October, 1959.
She attented Holy Trinity Anglican School, Calabar, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate with Distinction. She also attended Union Secondary School, Ibiaku and came out with Grade One, and thereafter proceeded to Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene for her 'A' Levels, where she passed all her papers in one sitting.
She later proceeded to University of Lagos where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Law (LLB Hons)
She proceeded to the Nigerian Law School Lagos and was called to bar in 1981 with a Second Class (Upper Division).
She started her career as a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Cross River State. She grew through the ranks to become the Cross River State Director of Public Prosecution.
From this position, she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Cross River State in 1998.
She was sworn in as the Chief Judge of Cross River State on the 8th of February, 2021.
She is happily married and blessed with 4 (four) children who are all doing well in their different endeavours.

Grand Kadi Ibrahim Rufai Imam was born on 15^th July, 1958. He hails from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State. He started his primary education at Istilahud deen Islamiyya School, Gusau in 1966 and completed it in 1973, before proceeding to Sultan Abubakar College, Sokoto in 1973 where he obtained his Higher Islmaic Studies Certificate in 1977. He went on to attend College of Education Sokoto in 1979 and obtained his NCE (Arabic and Islamic Studies) in 1982. Between 1996-1998 he attended Bayero University Kano where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies. He went further to Nasarawa State University, keffi where he obtained a BA (Ed) Islamic Studies.

He started his career as a Teacher in Anka L.G.A, Sokoto State in 1977. He carried out his NYSC assignment at Sokoto Judiciary between 1982-1983. He became the Registrar Sokoto Judiciary between 1983-1985. He was transferred to FCT Judiciary in in 1990 where he worked and rose through the ranks to become the Acting Chief Registrar Sharia Court, Abuja, between 2001-2002. He worked as a Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal Zamfara State, between 2002-2005. Between 2005- 2017 he was Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Abuja. He became the Grand Kadi Sharia court of Appeal Abuja, in 2017, a position he holds till date.

He was appointed a member of the Council in 2021.

He has served as Chairman and member of several committees under the Judiciary and has attended several courses within and outside the country.

Hon Justice Siyaka Momoh Jimoh Usman was appointed a member of Council in 2021.

Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, is the current NBA President. He is a distinguished legal practitioner with two Master of Laws degrees—one from the University of Jos and another in Transnational Commercial Practice from the Centre for International Legal Studies in collaboration with Lazarsky University, Poland. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999, he founded his law firm, LAW FORTE, in 2002, where he continues to serve as Senior Partner. In 2006, he was appointed a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and in 2011, he became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

Afam's legal expertise spans a wide range of fields including corporate and business law, banking, intellectual property, energy, oil and gas law, and both domestic and international commercial arbitration. He has acted as both counsel and arbitrator in numerous commercial disputes and has worked closely with various law firms on international business law matters. His passion for expanding his knowledge is demonstrated by his completion of a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) after a face-to-face tutorial at Keble College, Oxford.

Afam has also been involved in shaping legal frameworks in Nigeria, serving on key committees responsible for reviewing the High Court Civil Procedure Rules and ADR laws in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He has also held several notable positions, including being a Life Bencher and a member of the General Council of the Bar. His dedication to the legal profession was further recognized when he was elected General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and later became its 32nd President.

Beyond his professional achievements, Afam has a strong commitment to community service. He provides pro bono consultancy to NGOs on human rights in Africa and offers legal representation to indigent defendants in criminal trials.

Afam is married to Ukamaka Osigwe, and they have three children: Chiemelie, Chidumebi, and foster daughter Amarachukwu. In addition to his legal work, Afam enjoys reading, writing, sightseeing, researching, and photography. He is also a prolific speaker and writer, presenting papers at numerous conferences and legal forums.

Mr. Yakubu Chonoko MAIKYAU, SAN, FCIArb (UK), FCIMC is the founder of the law firm, Y. C. Maikyau & Co., established in 2003. A seasoned dispute resolution expert, he is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK (FCIArb) and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC).

Mr. Maikyau is an active member of the legal community in Nigeria currently serving as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He is also a member of the International Bar Association (IBA). As a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, he has served in many capacities: Member, NBA Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee (LPRRC), which made far-reaching recommendations for the reform of the profession in Nigeria, culminating in the Legal Profession Regulation Bill; Chairman, North Disciplinary Committee from 2012 to 2014; Chairman, Law and Individual Rights Committee of the NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP); Member, Ad Hoc Welfare Committee on COVID–19 Pandemic Relief; Chairman, NBA Welfare Committee from 2020 to 2022; Council Member, NBA-SLP and Member, NBA National Executive Council (NEC) since 2018.

As an advocate, Mr. Maikyau gained recognition by his participation as counsel in the Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission of Nigeria – The Oputa Panel. He has handled several notable cases that have had impact on the Nigerian jurisprudence, one of which is Re: Abdullahi (2018) 14 NWLR (Part 1639) 272, where he persuaded the Supreme Court of Nigeria to reach a novel decision, allowing the substitution of a deceased appellant in a criminal appeal with the administrators of his estate for the purpose of preserving the civil rights in the estate. Beyond litigation, he has advised on some project finance and facility disbursement matters and has served on arbitral tribunals in various capacities.

Outside the field of law, Mr. Maikyau is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Centre, Nigeria, where he obtained a Diploma in Ministerial Training, with emphasis on Societal Leadership. He is a community development and welfare enthusiast; he is the patron of Purpose Global Academy in D’lanko, Kebbi State – a 100% tuition-free school and has been responsible for several free medical outreaches in his home state, Kebbi State. Y. C. Maikyau is happily married to Zainab and they are blessed with four children – Israel Danmanya, Princess Sarah, King David and Queen Esther.

Adebayo Oba Adelodun, born on 23rd February 1958, in Ilorin, Kwara State, is a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with a robust legal background. He is the Managing Partner at Adebayo Adelodun & Co., a reputable law firm in Ilorin.

His educational journey includes attendance at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School and Owo High School in Ondo State, Government High School in Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University (LL.B.), Nigerian Law School (B.L.), and Obafemi Awolowo University (LL.M.).

His professional career began at the Kwara State Ministry of Justice, followed by a role as Junior Counsel at Wole Olanipekun & Co. He has been the Managing Partner at Adebayo Adelodun & Co. since 1988. Additionally, he has served as a Resident Consultant for a USAID-funded Anti-Corruption Initiative.

Adelodun has held numerous notable positions, including Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ilorin Branch, Member of the International Bar Association, and Member of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee. He is a Fellow of both the International Dispute Resolution Institute and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria.

Throughout his career, Adelodun has been honored with various awards, such as the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award by the All African Students Union and the Platinum Gold Award of Excellence by the National Association of Nigerian Students.

Hobbies: Reading, Golf, and Travelling

Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih (SAN), a distinguished legal professional with robust academic credentials, has served the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in various leadership roles. Since 1998, he has been a member of the NBA's National Executive Committee, contributing significantly to its Human Rights and Rule of Law committees. From 2014 to 2016, he chaired the NBA's Select Committee and later led the Democracy Advocacy and Election Petition Litigation Committee of the Section on Legal Practice. Between 2019 and 2023, he chaired the Section on Legal Practice. Additionally, he chaired the Midwest Bar Forum from 2013 to 2016, supporting the region's aspiration for NBA leadership.

Chief Orbih's judicial service includes membership in the Edo State Judicial Service Commission (2005-2009) and the General Council of the Bar (2015-2023). He became a Life Bencher in 2020, joining Nigeria's highest legal body. His expertise in arbitration is notable, having acted as counsel and arbitrator in significant cases, such as the AIC vs. Federal Ministry of Works arbitration in London (2012) and the arbitration between Eurafic Power Limited and the Nigerian government (2023). He has been a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators since 2013 and joined the National Judicial Council in 2024.

Chief Orbih's contributions extend to academia and public speaking, where he has presented numerous papers on legal topics and contributed to legal literature. His honors include the Paul Harris Fellow, various chieftaincy titles, and multiple merit awards recognizing his leadership and contributions to the legal profession. His work includes influential lectures and contributions to books, showcasing his expertise and dedication to advancing legal practice in Nigeria.

Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, serves as the Managing Partner at Legal Resources Consortium, a law firm that specializes in diverse practice areas and offers expert advisory services on the administration of the justice system in Nigeria to both domestic and international clients. Fapohunda has held the position of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State for two terms, showcasing his extensive experience and leadership in the legal sector.

Throughout his career, Fapohunda has led significant reform initiatives in the Nigerian justice sector. He has co-drafted numerous key legislations such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Evidence Act, the Child Rights Act, the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission Act, and others. His expertise spans across criminal law, international human rights law, public interest litigation, legal research, and legislative advocacy, making him a pivotal figure in the realm of law reform in Nigeria.

In addition to his legislative work, Fapohunda holds prominent positions within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), including Chairman of the Law Reform Committee and Alternate Chairman of the NBA Working Group on Judicial Remuneration. He has also previously chaired the Committee on Administration of Justice, co-authoring a strategic policy document on justice reform. Fapohunda has consulted for several international development partners such as the DFID, the British Council, USAID, and the European Commission, advising on law and justice programs in Nigeria.

Mrs Nana Fatima Mede, OON, is a Managing Partner in Carter Consulting limited where she oversees portfolio Capital planning & Analysis amongst other responsibilities. She is also the Managing Director of Le Finesse Nigeria Limited, a financial consulting company. Additionally, she serves as a Technical Consultant to the Minister of State (Budget and National Planning) where she provides high-level technical assistance on the development and effective delivery of Nigeria’s medium (2021 – 2024) and long term (Nigeria Agenda 2050) development plans. 

An accountant by profession with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Alabama A&M University, Nana Fatima has a vast amount of experience spanning over three and half decades working in the Nigerian public sector in various capacities. She also possesses a certificate in Public Financial Management obtained from the prestigious John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Upon graduation in 1981, Mrs Mede completed her youth service as a graduate trainee accountant at the Ajaokuta Steel Company, after which she was immediately employed and made Head of the Accounting Department at the National Television Authority (NTA) located in Abuja. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a Principal Accountant before transferring her service to Benue State Government.

Mrs Mede has, over the years, deployed her expertise in several high ranking positions throughout her professional career, including as Permanent Secretary (Treasury)/ Accountant General of Benue State, Director of Finance in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), serving as the pioneer Director for the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and then as a Federal Permanent Secretary presiding over the affairs of the Ministries of Environment and later Budget & National Planning, before gracefully retiring, after attaining the mandatory 35 years in service. In her quest to continue serving the people, she maintains her position on the board of several reputable organisations including Hope Payment Service Bank.

She is also the Founder/Executive Director of Baba-Rabi Foundation/Baba-Rabi Community Development Initiative, both Non-Governmental Organisations committed to enhancing the quality of life for the less privileged, orphans and widows across several Nigerian rural communities.            

Hajia Fatima Nana Mede was appointed a member of National Judicial Council in 2021

Engr. Nebolisa Olisaeloka Emodi, born on August 25, 1961, is a 1983 Bachelor Engineering (Civil) graduate from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He started his public service at the Ministry of Defence, December, 1984 and had a distinguished and fulfilling career with verifiable legacies as an Engineer, Mentor, Reformer, Administrator and prominent advocate for leveraging on technology to enhance operations and provide public services. He has the undisputed record of passionately participating in developing major infrastructural projects across all sectors.

He was Permanent Secretary State House, August, 2014 to November, 2015 effectively functioned as the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, June to August, 2015, managing the seamless transition of out-going-and-incoming Administrations.

He was Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transport, August, 2011 to August, 2014, successfully restructured the Ministry, created the Engineering and Maritime Safety and Security Departments to enhance service delivery and was key in driving on-going Reforms in the Transport Sector, reviewed and drafted new Bills for the Railway, Ports and Inland Waterways. He oversighted the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures/Port Services Support Portal to enhance efficiency in 2012 that has been adopted by the Federal Government in 2020. He managed/oversighted the implementation of part of the 25-year Railway Master-plan and some Maritime projects.

He worked in the Bureau of Public Procurement, March, 2005 to August, 2011, became Director in 2009 and participated in operationalizing the public procurement law, reviewed major national projects and achieved massive reductions in costs.

He also worked in the Highways Department, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, November, 1987 to March, 2005, became Assistant Director in 2002, computerized Departmental Record and was involved in planning, managing the construction/rehabilitation of major highway projects including: Kaduna-Kano, Ibadan-Ife, Kaduna-Abuja, Benin-Asaba, Otta-Abeokuta and Abuja-Keffi dual carriageways.

He is a 2004 Fellow, Nigeria Society of Engineers: 1989 Registered Engineer, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and 2014 Professional Development Certificate, Wharton University Philadelphia, USA. He attended several leadership and professional trainings locally and abroad including Harvard Business School, Massachusetts and Yale University, USA and has many awards.

Nebolisa Emodi is presently Managing Partner, Ideas and Visions Consultancy Limited, Abuja offering Advisory and Supervision Services on Infrastructure, Research and Development and Procurement Reforms and Operations. He has written several Technical Papers on Engineering Management, Transport and Procurement. He hails from Onitsha, Anambra State, titled Ononenyi and is happily married to Linda Chichi Emodi and blessed with five children.

Engr Nebolisa Emodi was appointed as a Member of the National Judicial Council in 2021

Ahmed Gambo Saleh was born 3^rd June, 1969 in Hadejia, Jigawa State. He holds his first and second degrees in Law from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto and Bayero University, Kano, respectively.

He had a two year stint in private practice before joining the Civil Service where he became a Senior State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Jigawa State between 1998 and 2008. He then moved to Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2008 where he was made the Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2014 he was the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation Department). He was elevated to the position of Chief Registrar in 2014, until 2017 when he was appointed as the Secretary, National Judicial Council to date.

Ahmed Gambo Saleh, LL.B, BL, LLM has more than 20 years in Management and Administrative experience. He is a Member of several professional bodies and has served on quite a number of Judiciary Committees among which are Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee; Chairman, Chief Registrars of Nigeria Forum; Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Dutse Branch; Member, Presidential Swearing-in Committee – 2015; Member, Judiciary Information Technology Policy Committee; Member, Federal Judiciary Tenders Board; Secretary, Jigawa State Sharia Implementation Committee, etc.

His hobbies are Sports, Tourism and Community Service.