NBA Gombe Condemns Closure of Court of Appeal, Highlights Security Risks in Transfer To Maiduguri
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe Branch, has strongly condemned the sudden closure of the Court of Appeal, Gombe Division, and the transfer of all pending appeals to the newly established Maiduguri Division in Borno State. The branch cited serious security concerns and procedural injustice as reasons for its objection.
In a communiqué signed by Chairman Benjamin Sati, Esq., MCIArb (UK), and Secretary Abdulmutallib Babawuro, Esq., the NBA Gombe Branch revealed that an emergency virtual meeting was held on May 13, 2025, to address the ramifications of relocating appellate matters from Gombe despite no reported security threats in the state.
The branch has formally written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council (NJC), urging reconsideration of the decision to close the Gombe Division, which has been fully operational since 2020 and remains structurally and institutionally sound.
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While the NBA does not oppose the creation of the Maiduguri Division, it questions why all cases were transferred, especially given the recent resurgence of security threats in Borno State, highlighted by warnings from the state’s Governor about Boko Haram activities.
According to court registry data, Gombe State holds the highest number of pending appeals and motions among the three states served by the now-closed Division:
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Appeals: Gombe – 88; Borno – 23; Yobe – 6
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Motions: Gombe – 41; Borno – 30; Yobe – 6
“These figures demonstrate that Gombe is the judicial hub of the region. The abrupt shutdown, without sufficient justification, compromises access to justice and exposes litigants and legal practitioners to serious security risks,” the statement said.
The NBA Gombe Branch also emphasized the significant infrastructure investments in the Gombe Division, including purpose-built offices, staff quarters, and residential facilities for Justices, all funded by the Gombe State Government and the Court of Appeal headquarters.
In protest, the NBA Gombe Branch announced it would boycott sittings of the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri, citing the perilous travel route between Gombe and Maiduguri as a major safety issue.
“We call on the authorities to reconsider their decision and reopen the Gombe Division in the interest of justice, efficiency, and safety,” the branch declared.
Additionally, the NBA urged the Executive Governor of Gombe State to intervene and continue supporting federal institutions in the state. It also commended the NJC for ongoing judicial reforms and called on all stakeholders to uphold fairness and integrity within the justice system.
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