The National Judicial Council (NJC) has decisively responded to a controversial media report suggesting widespread disqualification of judicial candidates, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and procedural transparency.

In a detailed press release dated December 31, 2025, NJC Secretary Ahmed Saleh firmly rejected claims that 34 lawyers had failed an "integrity test" for Federal High Court judicial appointments, calling the circulating story entirely inaccurate.

The council clarified that the selection processes were conducted exclusively by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), and no final decisions had been made by the NJC regarding the candidates in question. Some applicants were indeed discontinued due to adverse petition findings, while others simply did not achieve the qualifying scores necessary to advance to the interview stage.

According to initial reports, 62 applicants had successfully completed a Computer-Based Test at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with only 28 initially considered to have passed subsequent screenings. However, the NJC stressed that these numbers should not be interpreted as a definitive judgment on the candidates' integrity.

Saleh warned that publishing speculative and unverified information could potentially damage the reputations of candidates who participated in good faith. The council has initiated internal investigations to identify the source of the unauthorized press statement and is committed to protecting the credibility of its judicial selection procedures.

The NJC reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, fairness, and maintaining the highest standards of judicial integrity. They urged journalists to seek clarification from authorized channels before reporting on sensitive institutional matters, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing public communication.

As the judicial appointment process continues, the council remains focused on selecting the most qualified and ethical candidates to serve in the Federal High Court, ensuring public trust in the nation's judicial system.