Nigerian-born legal practitioner, Margaret Obi, has been appointed a High Court judge in England and Wales, with her appointment taking effect on October 3, 2025.
According to reports by Global Legal Post and other British outlets, Obi is among only eight current High Court judges who previously practiced as solicitors, a rare achievement in the UK judiciary.
She will serve in the King’s Bench Division, bringing with her more than 27 years of legal experience and seven years on the bench.
Congratulating her, Oba Nsugbe (KC), Head of Pump Court Chambers in the UK, praised her humility and strong connection to her Nigerian heritage, saying:
“For as long as I have known her, Mrs Justice Obi has always been naturally low-key and entirely grounded; never once forgetting her Nigerian roots.”
Before her elevation, Obi served as Deputy High Court Judge, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge, and Chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal. In 2023, she was also appointed Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
