The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State has praised the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, for what it described as “remarkable early reforms” in the state’s justice system.
The group said his appointment came at a crucial moment and has already brought renewed hope for transparency, efficiency, and fair access to justice.
According to the coalition, Maude’s work so far shows a strong commitment to restructuring institutions and strengthening the rule of law across Kano State.
Civil society applauds reforms in justice operations
The groups highlighted improvements in justice-sector coordination, noting better synergy among departments such as Civil Litigation, Public Prosecution and Legal Drafting.
They said the review of the case-tracking system and legal-opinion process has made delivery of justice faster and more accountable.
They also commended efforts to expand access to justice for vulnerable residents through revived legal-aid services and the reactivation of mediation centres in Bichi, Takai and Kabuga.
The League said these steps are helping to reduce case backlogs and ease community-level disputes.
Praise for modernisation of laws and stronger prosecution
Civil society groups also welcomed the move to modernise laws and digitise legal drafting, saying it aligns with global best practices and will make legislation more efficient and accessible.
They noted ongoing work to update criminal-justice laws in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), describing it as key to improving the speed and fairness of trials.
The Attorney General was also praised for plans to train prosecutors, establish Case Evaluation Units and address delays in criminal trials—measures expected to reduce frivolous cases and improve court efficiency.
Groups call for stronger legal aid, faster digitisation
While praising the achievements, the coalition outlined areas requiring deeper reform. They urged the expansion of legal-aid services, saying many poor and vulnerable groups still struggle to access justice.
They also called for the full reactivation of the Law Reform Committee to update outdated statutes and harmonise state laws with current realities.
The League said there is an urgent need to fast-track digitisation across the justice system, including e-filing, online case tracking and automated drafting.
Renewed push for anti-corruption and broader partnerships
The groups encouraged stronger collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, civil society and the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure accountability and build public trust.
They said broader partnerships with NGOs and development organisations would bring technical support and help sustain ongoing reforms.
The League reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Attorney General to build a fair, transparent and inclusive justice system for all residents of Kano State.
Endorsed by:
1. Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
2. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
3. Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD)
4. Abdullahi Y. Sule – Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA)
5. Abdulkadir Musa Hausawa – Youth Enlightenment Forum
6. Adeniyi Aremu, Esq. – Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN)
7. Sani Ilyas Abdullahi, Esq. – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State
8. Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
9. Comrade Khadija Hudu A. – Justice, Accountability and Rights Advocacy Centre
10. Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
11. Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
12. Fatima Muhammad – Gender Inclusive and Development Support Initiative, Kano
13. Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
14. Comrade M. K. Adam – Societal Based Initiative for Rights Peace and Development (SOBIRPED)
15. Fatima Ibrahim Badamasi – Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GENSAYE)
16. Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
17. Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Kano State
18. Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
19. Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative
20. Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
21. Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community Based Equal Justice Initiative
22. Comrade Salisu Ibrahim Sa’eed – Kano Youth Integrity Forum
23. Comrade Baraya Garba Hassan – Centre for Education Health and Entrepreneurship Development (CEHED) Nigeria
