Kano To Establish Special Courts For Sexual And Gender-Based Violence Cases — CJ, Justice Dije Aboki

The Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Dije Aboki, said the state is working on opening special courts to handle and ensure speedy dispensation of cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV in the state.

The Chief Judge disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the Second quarter of the National Executive Council, NEC meeting of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA which took place in Kano.

Justice Aboki noted that cases of SGBV remains pervasive in the state, hence the need for the special courts to handle and ensure speedy dispensation of justices in SGBV cases in order to maintain the confidence reposed in the judicial system by the society.

She commended FIDA for their tireless efforts which have not only provided legal assistance to those most in need but have also paved way for significant legal reforms and societal changes that continue to impact millions.

According to her, “FIDA has been a beacon of hope and a formidable force in the fight for justice, equality, and the protection of women’s and children’s rights.

“While celebrating our achievements, it is also crucial to identify areas where FIDA can be even more proactive. One such area is the fight against gender-based violence, which remains a pervasive issue in our society. I am aware that the Kano Branch of FIDA is in collaboration with NEEM Foundation in this regard. Recently they paid me a courtesy visit where they advocated for the need for gender-based violence courts to ensure speedy dispensation of the cases in our courts. We are currently working to ensure its achievement as the timely dispensation of such cases is crucial to maintain the confidence of the society in our judicial system.

“In order to achieve this, there must be increased collaborative effort of all concerned stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, Ministry of Justice, and the Legal Aid Council. Also, through enhanced community outreach programs and comprehensive support systems for victims, essential steps can be taken to combat this scourge effectively.

“Furthermore, the promotion of girl-child education is another critical area where FIDA can make a significant impact. By advocating for policies that ensure access to quality education for all girls and addressing the socio-cultural barriers that impede their educational progress, we can empower the next generation of women leaders.

“Lastly, FIDA can play a pivotal role in improving access to justice for women and children in rural and undeserved areas. Mobile legal clinics, increased legal literacy programs, and partnerships with local community leaders can help bridge the gap and ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic status,” the Chief Judge, Justice Aboki stated.

Earlier, the Country Vice/National President of FIDA, Amina Suzanah commended the Kano State for joining the league of states in the country by enacting the Child Protection Law in June 2023 while calling on the government to put in place an operational and monitoring mechanisms on the implementation of the Law in the state.

“The State joins other states in Nigeria that have successfully incorporated the Nigeria Child Rights Act into their legal frameworks. This unified effort across states strengthens the country’s commitment to upholding children’s rights and fostering their well-being.

“This is a right step in the right direction and we are proud to be associated with this.

“We are aware of the operationalization of the Sexual offender’s database which commenced in 2022 as a curbing measure by the State Government in checkmating the menace of sexual and gender based violence. This has enabled a multi-sectoral approach by relevant actors in naming and shaming perpetrators of GBV. We are optimistic that this will lead to a decline in perpetration of these acts against women and girls in the state,” She said.

On her part, the Kano State Chairperson of FIDA, Hajiya Bilkisu Ibrahim, lauded the Kano State Chief Judge for her dedication to establishing a designated court to address gender-based violence, citing it as a significant achievement for Kano FIDA.