The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, on Friday expressed deep concerns over the recent closure of the Gombe Division of the Court of Appeal and the transfer of all pending appeals to the newly established Maiduguri Division in Borno State.
In a virtual emergency meeting held via Google Meet, the NBA Gombe Branch described the development as unjust and illogical, citing the heightened security risks in Borno State compared to the relatively peaceful environment in Gombe.
A resolution signed by the secretary, Abdulmutallib Babawuro and the Chairman of the Gombe Branch, Benjamin Sati, stated, “The branch has formally written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council, appealing for urgent intervention.
“We are calling for the immediate re-opening of the Gombe Division, which has been closed for barely three months without any security incident in the state.”
While acknowledging the rationale behind establishing a Court of Appeal Division in Maiduguri, the NBA Gombe Branch emphasised that this should not result in the complete closure of the Gombe division.
“We are not opposed to the Maiduguri Division,” Sati added. “But it is only fair and reasonable to retain a panel in Gombe to handle the bulk of pending appeals and prevent exposing lawyers and litigants to the high risks on the Gombe–Maiduguri route,” it added.
The Branch further referenced recent remarks by the Governor of Borno State, who reportedly raised alarms about renewed activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the region, adding, “This is a stark reminder that the security challenges in Borno and Yobe States persist and should not be taken lightly. On the other hand, Gombe has remained peaceful, making the closure of its Court of Appeal Division both baffling and unacceptable.”
The NBA Gombe Branch also backed its position with data showing that Gombe has the highest number of pending appeals and motions among the three states previously under the Gombe Division’s jurisdiction. According to statistics from the court registry: Appeals: Gombe – 88; Borno – 23; Yobe – 6. Motions: Gombe – 41; Borno – 30; Yobe – 6
The branch noted that these figures are verifiable at the court registry and highlight Gombe’s central role in the region’s appellate process.
Moreover, the NBA pointed out that the Gombe Division is already well-equipped, with functional office accommodations, staff quarters, and four permanent residences for justices—facilities largely provided by the Gombe State Government.
“Since its creation in 2020, the Division has remained active and vibrant, attracting litigants and legal practitioners from across Nigeria,” the association’s resolution read.
As a result of the closure, the NBA Gombe Branch has resolved to boycott sittings of the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri, citing the security risk posed by travel through volatile areas, saying, “We are demanding justice on this matter. Our members cannot risk their lives just to attend court sessions that should have been held in Gombe.”
The Branch has also called on the Executive Governor of Gombe State to intervene and continue supporting federal institutions in the state.
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