By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

In a significant move towards digitalizing the Judicial process,the Niger State High Court has formally launched its Electronic Filling (E- Filling) system across all High courts in the state.

The E-filling system, which became operational on February 2, 2026, was aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing access to justice.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Niger State High Courts, Hajiya Amina Laminde Musa Saidu explained, “the transition from paper-based filing to a digital platform represents a major reform aimed at streamlining court procedures and strengthening transparency within the judicial system”

The E-Filing initiative, according to her,began in 2023 with the development of policy guidelines, operational processes, and technical infrastructure.

As part of the preparation for implementation, the Court held a stakeholders’ engagement session in October 2025.

The event she stated,that brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners, court staff, and other justice-sector stakeholders to review the system, provide feedback, and build consensus around the reform.

Hajiya Amina Laminde Musa, disclosed that extensive training was conducted for all necessary High Court staff in the State to prepare them for the transition.

A dedicated technical support team has also been established to provide real-time assistance, while necessary hardware and software upgrades have been completed to ensure system stability and sustainability.

“We recognize that embarking on this new chapter of judicial reform may present initial challenges.

“However, this is not an uncharted path. Digital litigation is now a global standard, and we are fully committed to navigating this transition with agility and resilience,” the Chief Registrar stated.

The Chief Registrar noted that although, users may experience an initial learning curve, the long-term benefits, including reduced filing costs, faster case processing, enhanced document security, and improved procedural transparency, are expected to outweigh temporary difficulties.

To this end,the Niger State High Court has urged members of the Bar, litigants, and other judicial stakeholders to embrace the new system, emphasizing that its success depends on collective cooperation and active utilization.

With the launch of the E-Filing system, the Court joins a growing number of judicial institutions across the country adopting digital solutions to strengthen the administration of justice.

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, of the Nigeria Police Force NPF has a new helsman as Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Olatunji Disu officially assumed duty as the 55th AIG in charge, effectively taking over on February 9, 2026.

His latest posting follows the redeployment of AIG Margaret Ochalla, who is currently undertaking an advanced training program in the United States.

A native of Lagos State, AIG Disu brings over three decades of policing experience and a wealth of leadership expertise to his new role.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education, alongside Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Criminology, reflecting a blend of academic rigor and practical policing knowledge that has defined his career trajectory.

Before his latest appointment, Disu has held several strategic positions in the Nigerian Police Force, including serving as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, Commander of the Intelligence Response Unit IRT Guzape Abuja and Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

His tenure in these roles is widely recognized for improving operational efficiency, strengthening crime response mechanisms, and fostering community-police engagement.

At a brief handing and taking over ceremony, he expressed deep commitment to reinforcing FCID’ Annex’s operational capacity and tackling criminal activities with renewed vigour

“My mandate as the head of this crucial department is clear, to ensure zero tolerance for corruption, strengthen investigative processes and deliver justice efficiently.

End

By Our Correspondent

Visibly angry with the killing of some citizens of Ebonyi State in an intra-community dispute,Ebonyi State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local government area to produce the heads of four persons allegedly beheaded and to return four other persons abducted during recent violent attacks against Okporojo Oso Edda village in Edda Local government area, linked to a protracted land dispute.

Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the decision on Monday night while briefing journalists at his office, Abakaliki after an expanded State Security Council meeting attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, elders, women leaders, and community stakeholders from the affected areas.

Nwifuru said the meeting was convened at the instance of the state government and involved the Commissioner of Police, commanders of the military, the DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, civil defence officials, and other security formations.

“This meeting was called by the heads of the security agencies to address the incessant killings in Amasiri and to brief stakeholders on the actions taken so far to stabilise the area and protect lives and property,” the governor said.

He disclosed that investigations confirmed that four persons were killed, three of whom were beheaded, while another victim was later discovered in a shallow grave, with the head yet to be recovered.

“The heads we are demanding to be returned are four. Four people were killed, and four others were abducted. We still believe those abducted are alive, and that is why we insist they must be returned alive,” Nwifuru stated.

The governor also confirmed reports by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations regarding the discovery of shallow graves containing beheaded bodies, describing the findings as “shocking.”

“What the army spokesperson said is correct. Bodies were found tied, beheaded and buried in shallow graves. Some of the victims have not yet been identified, and we believe there may be more, including women and children,” he said.

Nwifuru added that while discussions were held on possible military options, the immediate focus of the government remained on ending the killings and restoring peace, warning that severe sanctions would be imposed if the Amasiri community failed to comply with the ultimatum.

“If these demands are not met within 72 hours, tougher sanctions will be applied to ensure that the law of the land takes centre stage,” he warned.

Governor Nwifuru also addressed the issue of protests, warning that demonstrations were not permitted under the law in situations involving land disputes and breakdown of order.

“Ordinarily, such actions would attract arrests because they amount to taking the law into one’s hands. However, we are exercising restraint and patience, considering the circumstances,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, while briefing journalists, said the sanctions placed on Amasiri would remain in force until the community produces the severed heads, returns the missing persons, and hands over those responsible.

“Amasiri has been given three days to produce the heads of those beheaded, return the four missing persons, and fish out the perpetrators. Enforcement by the police, military, DSS and civil defence continues until these conditions are met,” she said.

The police commissioner added that security agencies were still searching for missing persons from neighbouring communities affected by the violence.

Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, High Chief Hyacinth Ikpor said the group had been fully involved in discussions and supported the government’s approach to resolving the crisis.

“We are here to ensure that nothing is destroyed and that peace returns. We support the actions of the government and will continue to work with security agencies to stabilise the area,” Ikpor said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ebonyi Elders Council, Engr. Ben Okah, echoed similar sentiments, pledging the council’s support for the government’s peace efforts.

Representing the Amasiri community, Bishop Kenneth Oko Daniels assured the state government that his people would comply fully with all directives, expressing confidence that peace would be restored.

“We believe that with God on our side and by obeying the government’s orders, peace will return to our land,” the bishop said.

Meanwhile, Chief George Ukpai, speaking on behalf of the Edda Clan, described the government’s intervention as reassuring and pledged the clan’s cooperation.

“Our faith, which was almost broken, has been restored. We assure the government that no one from our clan will engage in reprisals. We will cooperate fully to ensure peace,” Ukpai said.

The Ebonyi State Government reiterated its commitment to achieving permanent peace, insisting that justice would be served and that all perpetrators of the killings would be brought to book.