By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe Branch, has condemned the recent closure of the Gombe Division of the Court of Appeal and the transfer of all pending cases to the newly established Maiduguri Division in Borno State, citing heightened security risks in the region.
In a resolution issued after an emergency virtual meeting held on Friday, the branch described the move as “unjust and illogical,” warning that it endangers legal practitioners and litigants who must now travel through volatile areas.
The resolution, jointly signed by NBA Gombe Chairman, Benjamin Sati, and Secretary, Abdulmutallib Babawuro, noted that the branch had formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council, calling for the immediate reopening of the Gombe Division.
“The branch has formally written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council, appealing for urgent intervention,” the statement read. “We are calling for the immediate reopening of the Gombe Division, which has been closed for barely three months without any security incident in the state.”
While expressing support for the establishment of a Court of Appeal Division in Maiduguri, the NBA stressed that it should not come at the expense of the Gombe Division.
“We are not opposed to the Maiduguri Division,” the statement clarified. “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.”
The association referenced recent warnings by the Borno State Governor over renewed Boko Haram activities in the region, arguing that the security situation in Borno and Yobe remains fragile.
“This is a stark reminder that the security challenges in Borno and Yobe States persist and should not be taken lightly,” the NBA said. “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 urged the judiciary to reconsider the decision in the interest of justice, safety, and accessibility.
