The Chief Judge of the Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, has revealed that the activities of bandits have forced four magistrates’ courts and 11 Sharia courts to shut down in the state.

Justice Abdulmalik, who recalled the killing of the registrar of the Sharia Court, Ibbi Mallam Mohammad Namaru, by bandits, broke down in tears while speaking on Wednesday at a ceremony to mark the commencement of the  2023/2024 Legal Year in the state.

The Chief Judge said the event was aimed at renewing the determination of judicial officers in the state to uphold the rule of law and to strengthen the integrity of the bench by doing justice to all manner of people.

“I will not conclude without referring to the issue of insecurity in the state which has forced us to close four magistrate courts.

“I also understand that 11 Sharia courts have been closed down as a result. Worst still, on 11th April 2023, Mallam Mohammad Namaru, a registrar of the Shari’a court, was kidnapped on the court premises by bandits. He was later killed by his abductors. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” the CJ said.

Justice Abdulmalik called on the Niger State government to extend its magnanimity to the family and give the young children of the deceased scholarship for their education, noting that it would not only help the family but also boost the resolve to continue to unconditionally serve “our state and our country.”

Speaking earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State,  Nasir Muazu,  said the judiciary and the legal community in the state had in the past years faced unprecedented challenges.