Delta State Government Approves Increase In Civil And Criminal Jurisdiction Of Magistrates

The Delta State Government has approved the increase in the Jurisdiction of Magistrate in the state. In a statement signed by the Director of Information, in the state Ministry of Information, Mr Paul Osahor, made available to TheNigerialawyer (TNL) by Timothy Agbaragu, Head of PRO/Protocol Dept., High Court of Justice Delta State. It was stated that based on the power conferred on the Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, by Section 24 (1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Law of Delta State, 2006, Cap M1, Vol. 3 Laws of Delta State, the approval was made. The full statement read as follows: His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 24 (1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Law of Delta State, 2006, Cap M1, Vol. 3 Laws of Delta State and all the powers enabling in that behalf, on the recommendation by the Honourable Chief Judge of Delta State, has approved the increase in the Jurisdiction of Magistrate in civil and criminal matters. Accordingly, the maximum limits of the jurisdiction of Magistrates in Delta State in civil matters are as follows:

1. a) Chief Magistrate Special Grade:                       N10 million
2. b) Chief Magistrate Grade 1:                                 N8 million
3. c) Chief Magistrate Grade 2:                                 N5 million
4. d) Senior Magistrate Grade 1:                               N3 million
5. e) Senior Magistrate Grade 2:                               N2 million
6. f) Magistrate Grade 1:                                          N1 million
7. g) Magistrate Grade 2:                                          N500, 000

Provided, that in all actions relating to landlord and tenant, the claimant may in addition claim arrears of rent and mesne profits irrespective of the fact that the total claim exceed the amount assigned to the cadre of magistrate concerned. The powers of Magistrates in Delta State to impose sentences/fines in criminal matters are also increased as follows:

1. Chief Magistrate Special Grade: 14 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N250, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.
2. Chief Magistrate Grade 1: 10 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N200, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.
3. Chief Magistrate Grade 2: 6 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N150, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.
4. Senior Magistrate Grade 1: 4 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N80, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.
5. Senior Magistrate Grade 2: 3 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N70, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.
6. Magistrate Grade 1: 2 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N60, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.
7. Magistrate Grade 2: 1 years I.H.L or a fine not less than N50, 000 – where the law creating the offence did not make any specific provision.

The Order which is to be cited as the INCREASED JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS ORDER, 2018, takes effect on 20^th day of August, 2018. Paul Osahor Director of Information]]>