In a decisive move to protect the integrity of judicial appointments, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has publicly refuted a viral media report claiming 34 legal professionals failed an "integrity test" for Federal High Court judgeships.

The Council, through Secretary Ahmed Gambo Saleh, issued a comprehensive press release on December 31st, 2025, directly challenging the unauthorized narrative circulating in media channels. The statement firmly asserted that the reported details were fundamentally inaccurate and did not reflect the actual judicial selection procedures.

According to the NJC's clarification, the candidate evaluation process was conducted entirely by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). The Council emphasized that no definitive decisions had been made regarding the candidates at their level. Some applicants were indeed discontinued due to adverse findings from submitted petitions, while others simply did not achieve the qualifying scores required to advance to the NJC interview stage.

The original media reports suggested that out of 62 applicants who passed an initial Computer-Based Test in Abuja, only 28 successfully completed the screening. However, the NJC warned that such speculative reporting could potentially damage the reputations of candidates who participated in good faith.

In response to the unauthorized publication, the Council announced it would launch internal investigations to identify the source of the misleading press statement. Their primary goal is to preserve the credibility of their rigorous selection procedures and maintain public trust in the judicial appointment process.

The NJC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and maintaining the highest standards of judicial integrity. They urged journalists to seek official clarification through authorized channels before publishing sensitive institutional information, underscoring the importance of responsible reporting.

This incident highlights the critical need for accurate communication in public institutional processes, particularly those as significant as judicial appointments. By swiftly addressing and correcting misinformation, the National Judicial Council demonstrates its dedication to maintaining public confidence in Nigeria's judicial system.