By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

Prosecuting Counsels in the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice in Niger State,have been charged to ensure diligence and professionalism in prosecuting cases in their courts.

The prosecuting counsels have also been told to adhere strictly and comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA),of Niger State in their prosecution.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State,Mallam Nasir Muazu Esq gave the charge at the opening of a two day in-house training workshop for the newly deployed state counsels to prosecute cases in Magistrates courts in Niger State.

He stated that the in- house training was aimed at inculcating them the techniques in handling prosecution of cases within the Magisterial courts across the state with the withdrawal of Police prosecutors from prosecuting cases in Magistrates and Shariah courts in Niger State.

According to the Attorney General, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of Niger State has already pronounced the restriction of unqualified police officers without legal background from prosecuting in courts which informed the redeployment of state counsels to take over the prosecution of cases in our lower courts.

He explained that state counsels as trained lawyers and as legal practitioners have the professional backing to handle prosecutions in the lower courts stressing that as trained lawyers “ you have the knowledge of law to work along with the Magistrates that are your professional colleagues who is privilege to be on bench”

He disclosed that a memo has been forwarded to the executive for the appointment of fifty more state counsels to reduce the burdens of the of the deployed counsels adding that “ if approval is given more of the counsels will be deployed to some courts in Urbana areas of Bida,Borgu,Suleja and Kontagora.

The Attorney General emphasized the importance of the training workshop for the counsels that according to him will assist equipping them with the nitty gritty and the technicality in cross examination and reexamination on the contents of the police charge sheet that brought accused persons in courts.

He stressed the need for the counsel to work hands in hands with their respective Magistrates towards ensuring smooth and speedy administration of criminal justice in their court.

The Attorney General then urged them to pay due attention to the papers that will will be presented during the training “ so that you will be able handle your cases professionally”

Speaking earlier,a lead presenter in the training and facilitator of the workshop Barrister Ahmed Salihu pointed out the two days in-house training will no doubt equip them to add value for service delivery.

He called on them to make proper utilisation of the knowledge they will acquire from the workshop to ensure the speedy dispensation of Justice to the society as the minister in the temple of Justice.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
Legal Practitioners in the Country have been charged to guide against filling controversial,frivolous and duplicated applications that may lead to conflicting court orders, which will hinder a smooth political process.

The Chief Judge of Niger State,Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),2026. Law week held at Siyyam International Conference Centre in Minna.

Justice Halima Abdulmalik also admonished members of the Bench to remember their oaths of office to do Justice to all manner of people, and dispense Justice without fear or favour,affection “ or ill-will our roles as judges,do not stop in the courtroom: they inevitably impact society,either positively or negatively”.

She pointed out that as they navigate the c usual challenges associated with transitions of this kind,all hands must be on deck,whether as lawyers,politicians,judicial officers,or citizens of the country.

The Chief Judge who was represented by Justice Danladi Ahmed Badegi of Suleja High Court,noted that the call has become imperative “ because our individual efforts only be litimust test of our readiness for egalitarian society “ but we shall also one day be called to account for our roles in ensuring this nation’s success or failure”

The Law week, with the Theme: “Law,Governance and Politics: The Role of the Legal Profession in Advancing the Rule of Law in Nigeria’s Democracy” Justice Halima stated that in her assessment the law week could not have come at a better time. Stressing that the theme,itself is apt,carefully chosen,and highly relevant given the current climate in Nigeria, as “ we transition from one Democratic tenure to another”

She urged legal practitioners to help the nation as the country commenced the transition into another Democratic dispensation.

“ You can do this by avoiding the filling of controversial,frivolous,and,in many cases duplicated applications that may eventually lead to conflicting court orders,thereby hindering a smooth political process” the Chief Judge asserted.

She expressed her commendation to the Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Suleja Branch and congratulated the newly recognized Bida Branch of NBA as well appreciated all practicing lawyers within the state for the support and cooperation to her leadership and the Judiciary since her assumption in office.

The Chief Judge pointed out that despite operating under strict fiscal constraints, the Niger State Judiciary under her leadership,has recorded significant milestones aimed at ensuring efficient,swift and professional service delivery to the people.

The milestones,according to the Chief Judge,include Bar and Bench relations which was proudly reintroduced “ our most cherished Bench and Bar forum and institutionalized the ceremonial celebration of the new legal year to Forster camaraderie and professional alignment” .

Speaking earlier,the Chairman Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Ishyaku Barau Esq. expressed his profound appreciation to the organizing Committee for the success of the 2026 edition of the law week.

He said the law week was an annual event set aside for legal practitioners within the branch to come together aimed at brainstorming on the professional discussion on how to engage intellectual engagement towards moving the legal practices forward.

The Chairman commended the national president of the NBA under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN for giving birth to the newly created Bida Branch of Nigerian Bar Association under his leadership out of Minna Branch