NBA backs Special Courts for kidnapping, banditry cases

Rates Bayelsa High on Judicial Infrastructure

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama Branch, Barr. Ogheneochuko Sampson, has endorsed calls for the establishment of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and banditry cases across the country.

Speaking with journalists at the State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Yenagoa, Sampson described the proposal by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as a welcome development, but expressed doubts about the willingness of governments to provide the resources needed for its implementation.

According to him, special courts dedicated to kidnapping and banditry cases could help speed up the administration of justice, much like the courts handling electoral disputes.

“The proposed idea for special courts to handle kidnapping and banditry cases is a good development and should be replicated across the federation. However, the challenge is not just creating the courts. Are governments ready to fund them? Are they prepared to employ more judges and provide the necessary infrastructure?” he asked.

Sampson noted that addressing insecurity requires more than the creation of special courts, stressing that governments must account for how security funds are utilised and tackle the proliferation of illegal firearms.

“The issue of insecurity still comes back to the executive arm of government. What are governments doing with their security budgets? How did these criminals acquire these weapons? These are questions that need answers,” he said.

The NBA chairman also commended the Bayelsa State Government for improving judicial infrastructure and access to justice across the state.

He rated the relationship between the judiciary and executive arms of government in Bayelsa highly, attributing improvements in justice delivery to investments in court facilities and road infrastructure by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.

“I can proudly say that the Bayelsa State judiciary is one of the best in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure. If you visit the local government areas, you will find some of the best courtroom facilities in the country,” he said.

According to Sampson, inadequate infrastructure and security concerns previously compelled judges to sit in Yenagoa rather than in some local government areas.

He noted that ongoing projects, including the Nembe-Brass road, are expected to improve access to justice and make court services more accessible to residents in remote communities.

“For a judge to travel by sea to Brass, for example, it is expensive and raises security concerns. With the ongoing road project to Nembe-Brass, there is hope for improved access to justice. Access to justice in Ekeremor, Sagbama and other areas has improved tremendously,” he added.

Assessing the performance of the state’s judiciary, Sampson gave Bayelsa an 80 per cent rating, commending judges and judicial workers for their efforts.

“To be fair, the judges are really trying and the justice system is moving positively. We are getting to a point where we can proudly speak about our progress. The justice system in Bayelsa is impressive, and we enjoy a wonderful relationship between the Bar and the Bench,” he said.