The High Court of Justice in Niger State has issued a directive prohibiting non-lawyer police officers from prosecuting cases in Magistrate and Sharia Courts, a policy set to take effect on April 7, 2025.
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This directive, issued by Chief Judge Hon. Justice Halima I. Abdulmalik, aligns with Section 166(1) of the Police Act 2020 and Section 179(d) of the Niger State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2023. These legal provisions mandate that only qualified legal practitioners handle prosecutions in the affected courts, reinforcing professionalism in the judicial system.
In a circular dated March 14, 2025 (Ref: S/HC/NGM/SUB/112/VOL1), Chief Registrar Amina Laminde Musa-Saidu emphasized that the move is aimed at upholding the integrity of legal proceedings across the state’s lower courts. The directive, addressed to magistrates and Sharia judges, underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing criminal justice reforms and ensuring due process.
The implementation of this policy is expected to address longstanding concerns over procedural irregularities and inefficiencies often associated with prosecutions led by non-lawyers. By ensuring that only trained legal professionals represent the prosecution, the reform aims to enhance fairness, minimize legal missteps, and uphold defendants’ constitutional rights.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Niger-State-Judiciary-Bars-Non-Lawyer-Police-Officers-From-Prosecuting-Cases.pdf” title=”Niger State Judiciary Bars Non-Lawyer Police Officers From Prosecuting Cases”]
This decision aligns with broader national efforts to professionalize judicial processes, following similar reforms in states like Lagos and Kaduna.
While the circular does not outline specific penalties for non-compliance, it signals the judiciary’s determination to enforce modern legal standards and strengthen the administration of justice in Niger State.
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