“Gombe State’s Legal System in Crisis: NBA Chairman Calls for Urgent Reform”
Nearly three decades after its creation in 1996, Gombe State’s legal system remains anchored in outdated laws originally inherited from Bauchi State, lamented Benjamin Sati, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gombe branch.
Addressing the 2024/2025 legal year ceremony on Monday, Sati highlighted the urgent need for a modern, codified legal framework for the state, emphasizing that the continued reliance on Bauchi State’s outdated 1990 and 1991 laws—which have since been revised twice—was untenable. “This situation is unacceptable,” Sati declared, urging the state government to expedite the compilation and publication of its own laws.
He warned that citing these archaic laws in court could lead to references to non-existent statutes, undermining judicial credibility and the rule of law. Furthermore, Sati raised concerns about the chronic underfunding of Gombe’s judiciary, describing it as the least funded in the entire North-East region. “Inadequate funding has caused significant setbacks in the effective functioning of the judiciary,” he said, calling for a substantial increase in budget allocations to support the judiciary’s work.
Sati also warned of the potential relocation of the Gombe division of the Court of Appeal due to incomplete accommodations for judges and staff. He explained that the court is currently sitting in Maiduguri, with real concerns that it may be moved to Yobe or Borno if the accommodation issue isn’t quickly addressed. “Temporary housing with utilities has been arranged, but more permanent solutions are needed,” he added.
In response, Gombe State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Umar, confirmed that the state government had already awarded a contract for the compilation of the state’s laws, with over 60% of the funds already disbursed. He assured the public that the compilation would be completed by mid-year, following the submission of an executive bill to the House of Assembly.
On the matter of the Court of Appeal, Umar reassured citizens that steps were being taken to resolve the accommodation issue. He also mentioned that temporary housing had been provided for justices, ensuring they have the necessary facilities to continue their work.
Meanwhile, Chief Judge of Gombe State, Halima Mohammed, acknowledged the progress made in the judiciary over the past year, citing the resolution of 555 out of 616 cases filed. Despite the improvements, 781 cases remain pending, highlighting the ongoing challenges.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya praised the judiciary for its critical role in maintaining law and order in the state. He also emphasized the importance of judicial reforms aimed at speeding up the justice delivery process and alleviating overcrowding in prisons. “A responsive judiciary is essential for fairness and upholding the rule of law,” he said, announcing plans to appoint more judges, improve judicial staff welfare, and invest in capacity-building programs. Additionally, the governor stressed the state’s commitment to modernizing the judiciary through the use of digital tools to enhance efficiency and streamline legal processes.
