A distinguished jurist with a stellar career spanning over four decades in the Nigerian judiciary. An indigene of Du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, she was born on January 16, 1959, in Kaduna, Kaduna State.
Her Lordship’s early education began at Latimer Nursery School, London (1963-1964), followed by St. Anne’s Primary Boarding School, Kaduna (1965-1969). She proceeded to Queen Amina College, Kaduna (1970-1974) and St. Louis College, Jos (1974-1976) for her secondary education. She later earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1979, before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980 after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
Hon. Justice Sankey commenced her legal career as a Legal Aid Counsel in Zaria under the National Youth Service Scheme (1980-1981). She then joined the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, where she served as State Counsel Grade II and later rose to Senior State Counsel (1981-1989). In 1989, she transitioned to the Plateau State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate and subsequently held several key judicial positions, including: Chief Magistrate Grade II (1989-1992); Chief Magistrate Grade I (1992-1993); and Deputy Chief Registrar/Director of Personnel Management, Plateau State Judiciary (1992-1993)
Her Lordship’s exceptional legal acumen led to her appointment as a Judge of the Plateau State High Court in 1993. She served diligently and was later appointed Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Plateau State (1997-1999).
In recognition of her judicial excellence, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2006. Over the years, she served as Presiding Justice in several appellate divisions, including Yola, Akure, Makurdi, Gombe, Awka, and Owerri, where she contributed immensely to the development of legal jurisprudence. She also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s electoral adjudication system, serving as Presiding Justice and Member of various Governorship, National, and State Assemblies Election Appeal Panels.
Beyond her judicial duties, Hon. Justice Sankey has been actively involved in legal and judicial reforms. She chaired several Judicial Commissions of Inquiry into communal disturbances in Plateau State and has been an advocate for gender justice and judicial excellence. Her professional affiliations include: President, National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJN) (2021-2023); Member, Body of Benchers (2018 – Present); Member, International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ); and Member, Commonwealth Association of Magistrates & Judges
In recognition of her service to the nation, she was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). On February 26, 2024, Hon. Justice Sankey was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, bringing with her a wealth of judicial experience, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.