Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, Condemns Closure of Court of Appeal Division
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe Branch, has 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.
The branch has described the development as “unjust and illogical” and has called for the immediate re-opening of the Gombe Division.
The NBA Gombe Branch has cited the heightened security risks in Borno State compared to the relatively peaceful environment in Gombe as a major concern.
The branch has emphasized that the closure of the Gombe Division will expose lawyers and litigants to high risks on the Gombe-Maiduguri route.
The branch has also referenced recent remarks by the Governor of Borno State, who raised alarms about renewed activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the region.
While acknowledging the rationale behind establishing a Court of Appeal Division in Maiduguri, the NBA Gombe Branch has emphasized that this should not result in the complete closure of the Gombe Division.
The branch has argued that 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.
The NBA Gombe Branch has 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, Gombe has 88 pending appeals, while Borno has 23 and Yobe has 6. The branch has also noted 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.
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.
The branch has demanded justice on the matter, stating that its members cannot risk their lives just to attend court sessions that should have been held in Gombe.
The NBA Gombe Branch has called on the Executive Governor of Gombe State to intervene and continue supporting federal institutions in the state
The branch has also appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council for urgent intervention to re-open the Gombe Division of the Court of Appeal.
