Dutse, Nigeria — The Jigawa State Judiciary has formally unveiled a new set of Rules of Court under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), in a move aimed at modernising judicial processes and enhancing the delivery of justice across the state.
The new rules were launched Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Judiciary Complex in Dutse, where the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Bello Fanini, described the reform as a critical step toward strengthening the justice system and advancing the rule of law.
“These new rules will not only eliminate unnecessary delays but also ensure more efficient implementation of the ACJL,” Fanini said in his keynote address. “They reflect the state government’s unwavering commitment to justice and institutional accountability.”
Fanini also lauded the judiciary for initiating the reform and pledged continued collaboration between the executive and judicial arms to sustain legal and institutional reforms in Jigawa.
The newly revised Rules of Court are designed to streamline court procedures, fast-track criminal trials, and reinforce the rights of all parties within the justice system. They mark a significant update to existing judicial protocols and are expected to bring court processes in line with modern legal standards.
Chief Judge of Jigawa State, Justice Umar Sadiq, who officially signed the rules into effect, praised the work of the rules committee and other stakeholders who contributed to the document’s development. He emphasized that the reforms are rooted in global best practices in criminal justice administration.
“These rules will ensure speedy trials and strengthen protections for defendants,” Sadiq said. “They also incorporate modern methods to improve the efficiency of court operations.”
Speaking with reporters, the Director of Publicity and Protocol for the Jigawa State Judiciary, Abbas Wangara, said the adoption of the new rules reflects a broader institutional effort to enhance transparency and fairness in judicial proceedings.
“This is a landmark development for Jigawa’s legal system,” Wangara said. “It positions the state judiciary as a proactive force in ensuring equitable access to justice.”
The initiative has been widely welcomed by legal professionals and civil society actors in the state, who view it as a significant step forward in addressing systemic inefficiencies and improving public confidence in the justice system.