…..Pledges Judicial Independence, Improved Court Infrastructure and Faster Justice Delivery
* Katsina Courts Registered Over 86,000 Cases, Says Chief Judge
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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced new measures to modernise the state’s judiciary, including the digitisation of court processes, virtual proceedings, improved power supply and enhanced welfare packages for judicial officers.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the governor made the announcement on Tuesday while declaring open the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Katsina State High Court of Justice at the Justice Umaru Abdullahi Auditorium, Katsina.
Addressing judicial officers and other stakeholders, Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, the rule of law and effective collaboration among the three arms of government.
“The judiciary occupies a central position in sustaining the rule of law and strengthening our democracy. As partners in governance, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary must continue to work together within their respective constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
He assured the judiciary that his administration would not interfere with the courts in the discharge of their constitutional duties, stressing its commitment to creating an enabling environment for impartial justice delivery.
On judicial modernisation, Governor Radda disclosed that approval had been granted for the comprehensive computerisation and digitisation of judicial processes, including virtual court proceedings at the High Court headquarters and its divisions in Funtua, Daura, Malumfashi and Dutsin-Ma.
He added that the installation of solar power systems at the High Court headquarters had commenced to ensure reliable electricity, improve court operations and accelerate justice delivery.
“We are determined to use technology to improve the efficiency of our courts, reduce delays and make justice delivery more accessible to our people,” he noted.
Addressing security challenges, the governor highlighted the need for the justice system to respond effectively to cybercrime, kidnapping, abduction and other emerging criminal activities. He disclosed that the state had amended its Penal Code to expressly address and penalise the activities of informants.
He further stated that the review and digitisation of Katsina State laws and subsidiary legislation were nearing completion to ensure that the state’s legal framework remained relevant to contemporary socio-economic realities.
On judicial welfare, Governor Radda announced that choice plots of land and special allowances had been provided to High Court judges to support the construction of personal residences. He also disclosed that arrangements were underway to replace official vehicles due for replacement and provide vehicle loans to magistrates, with plans to extend the scheme to Shari’ah Court judges and Kadis.
The governor highlighted the establishment of specialised courts to improve commercial dispute resolution, revenue recovery and environmental protection. These include the Small Claims Court, Revenue Court and Forestry Court.
He explained that the Small Claims Court was established to facilitate the resolution of commercial disputes and improve the ease of doing business, while the Revenue Court had helped clear pending tax and revenue disputes and support government revenue recovery.
Governor Radda added that the Katsina State Geographic Information System (KATGIS) had instituted more than 100 cases to recover unpaid ground rent, while the Ministry of Justice had compiled cases involving illegal encroachment into forest reserves for prosecution.
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He commended the judiciary for its contributions to peace and security, particularly during challenging periods, and congratulated the Chief Judge, judges, magistrates, Kadis and other judicial officers on the commencement of the new legal year.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Hon. Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, NPOM, presented the judiciary’s performance report for the preceding legal year, highlighting case disposition, judicial appointments, staff development, technology integration and institutional challenges.
Justice Abubakar disclosed that the High Court registered 3,667 cases and disposed of 2,492 during the period under review, while magistrate courts registered 22,842 cases and concluded 14,319.
He further reported that Shari’ah courts registered 59,291 cases, comprising 45,000 civil and 14,291 criminal matters, and disposed of 40,251 cases.
The Chief Judge also disclosed that the Multi-Door Court House handled 1,422 matters, resolving 1,194 through alternative dispute resolution. Another 104 were referred to regular courts, while 124 remained under mediation or conciliation.
He commended Governor Radda for supporting judicial appointments, staff promotions, training, healthcare coverage and the provision of official vehicles. However, he appealed for additional recruitment to address shortages of registrars, court clerks, interpreters and other essential personnel.
Justice Abubakar said more than 270 judicial staff had left service between 2018 and July 2026, creating significant manpower gaps across the courts. He also called for urgent rehabilitation of the High Court headquarters, which he said had not undergone major renovation since its commissioning in 2006.
On ongoing reforms, he highlighted the introduction of sentencing and remand guidelines, efforts to decongest custodial facilities, the establishment of community conflict resolution centres and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to improve criminal justice administration.
He urged politicians to respect court orders and follow due legal processes, while cautioning media practitioners and social media commentators against prejudicial reporting on cases pending before the courts.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hajiya Fadila Mohammed Dikko, reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to strengthening justice delivery through professional legal services, effective prosecution, sound legal advice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
She disclosed that the ministry had processed 365 case files, including inherited backlogs, received more than 250 files for legal advice and handled over 1,114 applications, including bail requests and originating processes.
The Attorney-General added that approximately 325 civil and criminal cases involving the state remained pending before various courts, while judgments had been obtained in about 53 cases at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court levels.
She further disclosed that the state’s four rent tribunals, located in Katsina, Daura, Funtua and Malumfashi, had handled more than 278 cases, of which 224 had been concluded.
On legal reforms, Hajiya Dikko said the ministry had processed 84 memoranda relating to agreements and legal instruments, alongside legislative proposals. She added that work was continuing on compiling and digitising state laws and strengthening the electronic case-tracking system.
She commended Governor Radda for his continued support for the justice sector, noting that improved working conditions, staff development and institutional reforms were essential to retaining experienced legal professionals and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
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The Attorney-General pledged continued collaboration with the judiciary, legislature, security agencies, the Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and protect the lives, rights and property of Katsina State residents
Those in attendance included the; the Grand Kadi; the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Mas’udu Mustapha Banye; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; judges and Kadis; representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association from the Katsina and Funtua branches; heads of security agencies; and other judicial officers and staff.
