Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Judiciary recorded notable strides in justice delivery, institutional reform and digital innovation in 2025, with the High Court registering 1,155 cases and facilitating the release of 78 inmates through jail delivery exercises.
The performance was highlighted during an interview granted on behalf of the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Saidu Muhammad Sifawa, by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Aliyu Jafar Muhammad, who provided an overview of the judiciary’s activities during the legal year.
According to the Chief Registrar, the High Court remains the primary forum for the adjudication of disputes in the state, handling criminal and civil matters as well as other motions duly filed before it.
He explained that the number of cases registered within the year reflected increasing public confidence in the judicial system and a growing demand for legal redress.
Despite the rising caseload, Muhammad said cases were processed in strict compliance with due process, judicial ethics and constitutional provisions, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and the rule of law.
As part of efforts to align with modern judicial practices, he disclosed that the judiciary intensified capacity building programmes for its workforce, with particular emphasis on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Several court officials, he said, underwent ICT training to support the introduction of electronic filing and improved case management.
He added that a dedicated ICT department was established within the court system to provide continuous in house training, a development aimed at reducing delays, enhancing record keeping and positioning the Sokoto Judiciary in line with national and global best practices.
On correctional interventions, the Chief Registrar revealed that Justice Sifawa personally led jail delivery exercises across correctional facilities in the state, resulting in the release of 78 inmates in 2025.
He explained that the releases were based on legal reviews, prolonged detention without trial and other humanitarian considerations, in accordance with constitutional safeguards.
The initiative, he noted, contributed to the decongestion of correctional centres and reinforced the judiciary’s role as a protector of fundamental human rights.
Muhammad also commended the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice for its collaboration with the judiciary, particularly in the promulgation and effective implementation of laws, describing the synergy as critical to strengthening legal governance and the rule of law.
He emphasized that the achievements recorded under Justice Sifawa’s leadership reflect a broader national outlook focused on judicial efficiency, access to justice and the modernization of court processes.
The Chief Registrar assured that the Sokoto State Judiciary would continue to embrace innovation, capacity building and inter-agency collaboration to meet national judicial standards and public expectations in the years ahead.
