…Judiciary records 5,869 disposed cases, releases 100 inmates; Government promises Court of Appeal complex, Public Defender’s Office
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaete Obot, has called for sustained reforms, technological innovation and improved access to justice as the State Judiciary commenced the 2026/2027 Legal Year, highlighting the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, improved case management and stronger institutional capacity as key priorities.
Justice Obot made the call in Uyo, during a special court session as part of activities of the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.
The Chief Judge explained that the Judiciary had recorded significant achievements during the last legal year, including the renovation and rehabilitation of several courts across the state, provision of water facilities, construction of a new stores unit and other infrastructural interventions.
She disclosed that the Judiciary also visited four correctional centres in the state, leading to the release of over 100 inmates on compassionate grounds, including cases involving health challenges, alleged trumped-up charges, missing case files and lack of diligent prosecution.
On judicial performance, the Chief Judge said the courts remained productive during the period under review, with judges, magistrates, district court chairmen and dispute resolution officers handling thousands of cases.
According to her, the High Courts disposed of 5,869 cases, while the Magistrates’ Courts disposed of 4,797 cases during the period under review. The Multi-Door Courthouse disposed of 258 cases, while the District Courts disposed of 4,370 cases.
She added that the Probate Directorate published 1,377 grants of Letters of Administration, processed and released 1,100 Letters of Administration, while 138 probate cases were disposed of.
The Chief Judge further disclosed that the Judiciary generated ₦437.45 million in revenue during the 2025/2026 Legal Year, substantially exceeding the approved revenue estimate of ₦96.5 million.
On technology, Justice Obot said the Judiciary was embracing an AI-powered court recording system as part of efforts to establish a people-oriented, technology-driven institution capable of dispensing justice fairly, promptly and transparently.
She said plans were also underway to constitute an e-Judiciary, subject to the Governor’s approval, while the Judiciary was awaiting funding for solar power installations at its headquarters and High Courts in other judicial divisions.
The Chief Judge also disclosed that the Governor had approved the recruitment of 1,000 personnel for the Judicial Service, as well as the appointment of 22 District Court Chairmen and 188 members for the 94 District Courts.
She, however, noted that staff promotions had been stalled by the delay in reconstituting the Judicial Service Commission, expressing optimism that the process would soon be concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Uko Essien Udom, SAN, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the institutions of justice as a foundation for peace, development, social welfare and good governance.
Udom said the theme of the new legal year, Artificial Intelligence as Catalyst for Judicial Reforms in Nigeria, was timely, stressing that the legal profession must embrace technological advancement without compromising judicial independence, professional integrity or the constitutional rights of citizens.
The Attorney-General disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary commenced a pilot deployment of Artificial Intelligence for court proceedings in March 2026, following training involving the National Judicial Institute.
He explained that the pilot programme includes AI-assisted audio capture and transcription of court proceedings, designed to improve the efficiency of producing court records and reduce the burden of traditional longhand recording.
According to him, Akwa Ibom is among six states selected nationally for the pilot programme.
Udom said the state government was also collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy to develop bespoke digital solutions for managing civil and criminal cases, technology-driven evidence rooms and enhanced forensic capacity.
He, however, cautioned that technology must remain an instrument for justice and not become its arbiter, insisting on verification, confidentiality, accountability and safeguards against inaccurate or fabricated information.
The Commissioner announced that construction of the Court of Appeal complex in Uyo was ongoing and expressed optimism that the project would be completed and commissioned during the new legal year.
He also disclosed that the Governor had signed the Public Defender Law into effect, with the office expected to commence operations during the new legal year as part of efforts to strengthen access to justice.
Udom said the state government had also commenced steps towards the reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission, stressing that the Commission was critical to the effective administration of the Judiciary.
He assured that the government would continue to support reforms capable of making the justice system faster, fairer, more accessible and transparent, while urging stakeholders to embrace innovation without sacrificing fairness and human judgment.
The Attorney-General said the ultimate measure of judicial reform should not be the number of computers, software or digital platforms deployed, but whether citizens who approach the courts encounter a justice system that is fair, accessible, transparent and worthy of confidence.
Speaking on behalf of the inner Bar in the state, Chief Assam Assam SAN, noted that the opening of the Legal Year has always been an occasion for institutional introspection.
Chief Assam stated that it was a time when the Judiciary must examine the state of justice, confront uncomfortable truths, renew it’s commitment to the rule of law and remind themselves that the administration of justice exists, ultimately, for the benefit of the people.
Also speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association in the State, the Chairman of the Ikot Ekpene Branch, Charles Okon, called for increased investment in judicial infrastructure, greater judicial autonomy and reforms to strengthen the administration of justice in the state.
Okon commended the Chief Judge for steps taken to improve the welfare of legal practitioners and called for full compliance with directives concerning remuneration orders.
He argued that adequate investment in judicial infrastructure was essential to attracting both local and foreign investment, stressing that delays in justice delivery could discourage investors.
The NBA Branch chairman also called for improved infrastructure in courts, provision of official vehicles for magistrates and Customary Court Chairmen, and a review of the jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts.
He proposed that the criminal jurisdiction of magistrates be increased from offences punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment to 14 years, while their civil jurisdiction should be raised from ₦5 million to ₦15 million, to reflect current economic realities and help decongest the High Courts.
Okon further advocated the full operation of the Customary Court of Appeal in Akwa Ibom State, immediate appointment of assessors for Customary Courts and the reconstitution of the State Judicial Service Commission.
The NBA chairman described judicial autonomy as critical to the effective functioning of the Judiciary and called for closer cooperation between the Executive and Judicial arms of government to ensure its full implementation.
He also commended the state government for creating what he described as a conducive environment for investment, while stressing that sustainable economic development must be supported by an efficient and credible justice delivery system.
The opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year brought together judicial officers, lawyers, government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the justice sector, with renewed calls for institutional reform, technological innovation and improved access to justice across Akwa Ibom State.