Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Nigeria’s legal, academic and political leaders on Saturday gathered in Sokoto for the unveiling of a major legal publication expected to strengthen the nation’s military justice system and reinforce adherence to the rule of law within the armed forces.
The book, titled “Military Law in Nigeria: A Quick Reference Guide to Practice and Procedure,” was authored by prominent legal scholar Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN, alongside legal practitioner Rashidat Mohammed, Esq. It was published in honour of Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Works and an Honorary Member of the Body of Benchers, in recognition of his contributions to national service and the legal profession.
The high profile ceremony, held at the Command Guest Inn along Gusau Road in Sokoto, attracted distinguished personalities from across Nigeria’s legal, political and traditional institutions, highlighting growing national interest in strengthening military jurisprudence and professional legal practice.
In his welcome remarks, the host of the event, Barrister A. Y. Abubakar, described the publication as a timely and practical legal resource designed to guide lawyers, judges, military officers and scholars navigating the complexities of military justice.
According to him, the authors carefully simplified intricate legal principles governing military discipline and court martial procedures, making the work accessible to practitioners within both civilian and military justice systems.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Sa’idu Mohammed Sifawa, praised the honouree Bello Muhammad Goronyo as “a committed and dedicated member of the Body of Benchers whose contributions to the legal profession continue to inspire younger generations of Nigerian lawyers.”
He stressed that strengthening the legal framework guiding military operations is crucial to maintaining discipline, professionalism and accountability within Nigeria’s armed forces.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Muhammed Jabbi Kilgori, conveyed the monarch’s commendation to the authors and organisers for producing a scholarly work capable of enriching legal research and supporting the administration of justice across the country.
The Sultan, through his representative, urged legal scholars to sustain research driven contributions that strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and deepen respect for the rule of law.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of Sokoto State Ahmed Aliyu, represented by Deputy Governor Idris Mohammad Gobir, commended the authors for advancing legal scholarship and promoting intellectual discourse that supports governance and institutional accountability.
Chairman of the occasion and former Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who currently represents Sokoto North in the Senate, described the publication as a vital intellectual contribution that will guide both military and civilian legal practitioners in addressing contemporary legal challenges.
The event also drew the participation of the Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Waziri of Sokoto; the Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Professor Bashir Garba; judges of Sharia and conventional courts, Khadis, local government chairmen, academics and civil servants from across the country.
Legal experts at the gathering said the book serves as a practical reference bridging the gap between military operations and legal compliance, particularly in areas concerning discipline, court martial procedures and the protection of fundamental rights within the armed forces.
Reviewing the publication, Professor Ahmed Okene of the Nigerian Defence Academy disclosed that the book spans more than 300 pages and is organised into eight chapters covering critical aspects of military law, practice and procedural guidelines.
Participants at the launch described the work as a timely scholarly intervention capable of strengthening Nigeria’s legal architecture while reinforcing the principle that the rule of law remains central to the nation’s security and defence institutions.
In his vote of thanks, Bello Muhammad Goronyo expressed deep appreciation to Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his mentorship and unwavering support throughout his career.
He also commended the authors, Ibrahim Abdullahi and Rashidat Mohammed, for finding him worthy of the honour and pledged continued commitment to advancing justice, legal development and national service.
