The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has inaugurated nine appeal panels of the State High Court to hear 105 cases arising from decisions of lower courts across the state.
The panels were inaugurated on 9 March 2026, at the judiciary headquarters in Lokoja, marking the first quarterly Appeal Session since Justice Majebi assumed office.
The exercise is aimed at providing an avenue for litigants dissatisfied with judgments from lower courts to seek review of their cases.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Chief Judge also extended his condolences to the family of the late President of the Customary Court of Appeal and former Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta, who died in Abuja last Saturday after a brief illness.
Justice Majebi described Otta’s passing as a painful loss to the judiciary and the state, noting that the late jurist would be remembered for his impactful contributions to the legal profession and the judiciary.
He urged members of the Bench and the Bar to emulate the humility, dedication and selflessness that characterized the late jurist’s life and service, describing him as an icon whose legacy would continue to inspire.
The Chief Judge said the quarterly appeal sessions had been effective in addressing dissatisfaction with lower court rulings since their reintroduction under his leadership.
According to him, the first session for 2026 will handle a total of 105 appeals from various lower courts across the state.
A breakdown of the panels shows that the Lokoja Division has two panels headed by Justice Majebi and Justice Angelina Salihu.
The panels will hear 22 cases comprising 10 criminal and 12 civil appeals from courts in Lokoja, Koton-Karfi and Ajaokuta. Other members include Justices Abdul Awulu, Hawa Yusufu and Isa Jamil.
The Okene Division panel, chaired by Justice Etsu Umar with Justices Sulayman Abdullah and Badama Kadir as members, will handle 10 cases, three criminal and seven civil, arising from lower courts in Obangede, Ebogogo, and Ihima.
In Ankpa Division, two panels headed by Justices Salihu Zubayr and Ruth Alfa will hear a combined 28 cases, including 13 criminal and 15 civil appeals from courts in Abejukolo and Okpo. The panels also include Justices Abubakar Ibrahim and Ali Eri.
Similarly, the Idah Division has two panels chaired by Justices Moses Gwatana and Yahaya Adamu to hear 18 cases, 10 criminal and eight civil, originating from lower courts in Ugwolawo and Ajaka. Justices Clement Kekere and Joseph Ajesola serve as members.
At the Anyigba Division, Justice Abubakar Hussain heads a panel that will hear 11 cases, comprising three criminal and eight civil appeals from Dekina and Bassa.
The panel also includes Justices Aisha Muhammad and Ojoma Haruna.
The Kabba Division panel, headed by Justice Salisu Umar with Justices Bamidele Aina and Beatrice Ada as members, will hear 14 cases, 10 criminal and four civil appeals, from courts in Egbe, Isanlu, Mopa, and Iyara.
Justice Majebi expressed confidence in the competence of the judges serving on the panels, assuring that the cases would be handled fairly and without fear or favour.
He also commended members of the Bench and the Bar for their commitment to due diligence and urged lawyers to ensure their physical presence throughout the sessions by diligently prosecuting their appeals.
Responding on behalf of the Bar, the Director of Public Prosecution in the Kogi State Ministry of Justice, Iye Idama, commended the judiciary for sustaining the appeal sessions, noting that they have strengthened public confidence in the administration of justice.
She assured that lawyers appearing before the panels would adhere strictly to court rules, maintain punctuality and take full advantage of the opportunity to seek justice for their clients.
