Hon. Justice Cosmas Aondoaseer Idye, OFR, KSS, is a distinguished Nigerian jurist from Mbatiav, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. His career spans public administration, legal practice, judicial service and national judicial administration.

He is the President of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal and a Member of the National Judicial Council (NJC). He also chairs the Forum of Grand Kadis and Presidents of Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal in Nigeria.

Educational Background

Justice Idye began his education at RCM Primary School, Lough, where he studied from 1968 to 1974. He went on to Gboko High School (1974-1979) and then the School of Basic Studies, Makurdi (1980-1982).

He studied law at the University of Lagos, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1985. He then attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.

Public Service and Judicial Career

Before joining the Bench, Justice Idye served in public administration. In 1997, he was Executive Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council, Benue State.

On May 3, 2001, he was appointed a Judge of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal. After years of judicial service, he rose to become President of the Court in October 2015. In that role, he leads the administration of a court with appellate jurisdiction over civil proceedings involving questions of customary law. This places him at the forefront of the interpretation and application of customary law in Benue State’s judicial system.

National Judicial Responsibilities

Justice Idye’s work extends well beyond Benue State. He has served on election petition tribunals handling National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly elections. He has also been a Member of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and of the Benue State Judicial Service Commission.

He chairs the Forum of Grand Kadis and Presidents of Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal in Nigeria. In January 2026, he was appointed a Member of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for key aspects of judicial administration, appointments and discipline in Nigeria’s judiciary.

Together, these roles reflect his involvement in the administration of justice at both state and national levels.

Honours and Distinctions

Justice Idye has received notable national and religious honours:

• OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic): a Nigerian national honour
• KSS (Knight of St. Sylvester): a papal honour associated with distinguished service to the Catholic Church and society

Personal Life

Justice Idye married Terdoo on July 7, 1987, and the couple have six children. His interests reportedly include reading and writing. He has also been associated with the publication of the Quarterly Customary Law Reports of Nigeria, which documents and reports on customary law.

Legacy and Contributions

Justice Idye’s career runs from local government administration to the presidency of a state appellate court and a seat on the National Judicial Council. It reflects the breadth of his public responsibilities. His journey also highlights the importance of customary law in Nigeria’s plural legal system and the role of judicial institutions in upholding the rule of law.

For his professional achievements and community involvement, he remains a significant figure in the legal and public life of Benue State.