The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, has officially signed the new Area Court Civil Procedure Rules into law. The signing took place in his chambers at the State Judiciary Headquarters in Lokoja, marking the end of a comprehensive review process aimed at replacing the outdated rules which had been in use since 1991.

Describing the moment as historic, Justice Majebi lauded the committee responsible for the review, commending their foresight and dedication to judicial transformation. He expressed satisfaction that the revised rules reflect current realities, including the adoption of technology, streamlined timelines, and enhanced access to justice.

“This is an important moment in the judiciary of Kogi State,” he declared. “These new rules reposition our Area Court system, aligning it with modern expectations and technological developments. I thank the committee members for their progressive foresight and Justice Moses Gwatana for his exceptional leadership.”

The Chief Judge also noted that key areas of concern within the old rules—particularly around court fees, periods of trials, and procedural bottlenecks—have now been addressed, ensuring that the Area Courts, which handle the bulk of grassroots legal matters, can function more effectively.

In their separate briefings to the Chief Judge, Justice Moses Gwatana, who supervises Area Courts, and Hon. Badru Abdulghaniy, chairman of the review committee, detailed the innovative elements of the revised rules. These include:

  • Electronic service and filing: Court processes can now be served via electronic means, streamlining communication.
  • Front-loading of evidence and written addresses: Especially applicable when parties are represented by legal practitioners.
  • Third-party procedures and amendments: Clearer, more practical guidelines introduced.
  • Time-bound trials: Interlocutory and ex-parte applications must be resolved within 60 days; ex-parte orders expire after 14 days.
  • Quorum rules: A judge sitting alone now forms a valid quorum if they are a qualified legal practitioner.
  • Alternative service options: The Chief Judge may now authorize law chambers or courier companies to serve court processes.
  • Revised fees: Adjustments have been made to reflect the current economic context, covering areas such as land title declarations, inspections, and fund recovery claims.

The drafting committee, chaired by Hon. Abdulghaniy, included notable input from Hon. Justices A.S. Hussain, Paul Olupeka, and Bar. Sam Owoyemi. Other committee members were Hon. Akogwu Daniel Ilani, Hon. Abu Faruna, Hon. Salaudeen Abdulwasiu, Hon. Alao Funke Atinuke, Hon. Kassim Muhammad Kabir, and Hon. Sam Salami, who served as Secretary.

Justice Gwatana praised the team’s work as being in harmony with the Chief Judge’s vision to create a responsive, grassroots-oriented judiciary. “The Area Court is closest to the people. Bringing it in tune with modern trends is in line with the Chief Judge’s mission,” he said.

The Chief Judge concluded that with the new procedural framework, Area Courts in Kogi State are no longer to be seen as “native” or outdated. Instead, they are now equipped to deliver justice swiftly, fairly, and in a manner consistent with global best practices.

“The judiciary must always evolve with time,” Justice Majebi emphasized. “With this milestone, we add another feather to the cap of the Kogi State Judiciary.”

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