June 20 (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama Branch, has thrown its weight behind the call for the establishment of special courts for the quick prosecution of cases involving kidnapping and banditry.
The chairman, Barr. Ogheneochuko J. Sampson, stated that though the call by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is a welcome development, he doubts if the states and the federal government will key into such ideas due to the needed logistics, including the employment of new judges, building of courts and funding.
Barr. Sampson made this known in a chat with newsmen at the State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the upcoming 2026 Law Week organised by the NBA Sagbama Branch with the theme TRUE JUSTICE: The need for institutional and Individual Accountability in Safeguarding Democracy slated for between June 21st and 28th June,2026.
He said, “The proposed idea for the advocate of special courts for the quick prosecution of cases involving kidnapping and banditry is a good development, just like electoral matters are handled. These courts should be replicated in all the states of the federation.
“However, the problem is not just creating the courts. Are the politicians ready to fund those courts? Are they ready to employ more judges? Infrastructure must also be provided.”
He, however, stated that the issue of tackling insecurity goes beyond creating special courts only, “The issue of insecurity still goes back to the executive arm of government. What are governments doing with their security budgets? How did these criminals come into possession of these firearms? These are questions that need to be answered and checked”, he stated.
Ogheneochuko, whose tenure as the chairman of the NBA Sagbama Branch is close to an end, rated the relationship between the Judiciary and Executive arms of Government in Bayelsà State High, ascribing the excellent delivery of justice in the state to improved judicial infrastructures and road development by the present administration of Gov. Douye Diri.
According to him, the administration of Gov. Douye Diri has encouraged quick and effective dispensation of justice even at the Local Government and state levels. “I can proudly tell you that the Bayelsa State judiciary is one of the best in Nigeria when it comes to infrastructure. I want to thank the executive government of Governor Douye Diri.”
“If you go around the local government areas, you will see some of the best courtroom infrastructure you can find in Nigeria. Before now, this is part of the reason judges sit in Yenagoa instead of some local government areas and largely because of security concerns.”
“Then, for a judge to travel by sea to Brass, for example, it is not only expensive but also raises security issues. However, with the ongoing road project to Nembe-Brass, there is hope for improved access to justice. Access to Justice in Ekeremor, Sagbama and others has improved tremendously.
“If I want to give a score to judicial performance in the state, I will give Bayelsa State 80 per cent. To be fair, the judges are really trying, and the justice system is moving positively. We are getting to a point where we can beat our chests about our progress. The justice system in Bayelsa State is lovely, and we have a wonderful relationship between the bar and the bench.”
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
