The Chief Registrar of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal, Ishaq Magaji, Esq., has said the court’s achievements serve as a model for judicial excellence and progress in Nigeria, demonstrating the importance of effective leadership and investment in the judiciary.
The Chief Registrar stated this on Friday during the ministerial briefing held at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Information, Bauchi.
He highlighted the remarkable achievements of the court under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State.
According to him, the Sharia Court of Appeal, established in 1976, has made significant strides in dispensing justice and upholding the principles of Islamic law. With a total of 10 Honourable Khadis, including the Grand Kadi, the court has adjudicated numerous appeal cases, demonstrating its commitment to justice and fairness. The court’s appellate jurisdiction covers civil proceedings involving Islamic personal status, and its jurisdiction extends to all Upper Sharia Courts in Bauchi State. The court holds appeal sessions in various locations, including Bauchi, Azare, Misau, and Ningi, depending on availability of funds and convenience of the Honourable Kadis.
Magaji during the briefing revealed impressive statistics, including 113 appeal cases handled in the first quarter of 2024, with 74 disposed of and judgments delivered. This represents a significant increase from the 334 appeal cases handled in 2022, with 244 disposed of and judgments delivered, and the 474 appeal cases handled in 2023, with 281 disposed of and judgments delivered.
He said the court’s performance has shown a remarkable increase in productivity, attributed to the motivation and improved conditions of service provided by the Governor.
He highlighted the Governor’s achievements to include: “allocating a permanent site for the Sharia Court of Appeal Complex, ending 45 years of temporary operations. This milestone is a testament to the Governor’s commitment to the development of the judiciary in Bauchi State.
“Additionally, the Governor approved the employment of 120 essential staff to enhance service delivery, renovated chambers and court halls to meet the requirements of the National Judicial Council, and appointed a substantive Grand Kadi and additional Kadis.”
“The Governor also provided official vehicles for the Honourable Grand Kadi and newly sworn-in Kadis, promoted staff, and sponsored judicial officers to national workshops and international conferences.”
The Chief Registrar, however, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Ministry of Information for their support, emphasizing the court’s dedication to upholding justice and Islamic principles in Bauchi State.
