SPEECH PRESENTED BY THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE DAVID GWONG MANN, THE HONOURABLE, THE CHIEF JUDGE OF PLATEAU STATE AND CHAIRMAN, JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION, PLATEAU STATE AT THE SPECIAL SITTING TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2025/2026 LEGAL YEAR OF THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE, PLATEAU STATE JUDICIARY, ON TUESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2025.
SPEECH PRESENTED BY THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE DAVID GWONG MANN, THE HONOURABLE, THE CHIEF JUDGE OF PLATEAU STATE AND CHAIRMAN, JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION, PLATEAU STATE
AT THE SPECIAL SITTING TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2025/2026 LEGAL YEAR OF THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE, PLATEAU STATE JUDICIARY, ON TUESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2025.
Protocol:
His Excellency, The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang;
My Lords, Supreme Court Justices here present
My Lords, The Hon. President and Justices of the Court of Appeal;
The Hon. Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nanlong Daniel;
Chief Judges here present,
The Hon. Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State;
The Hon. President, Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State;
Superior Court Judges of various jurisdictions, both serving and retired;
Members of the State Executive Council of Plateau State;
Members of the State House of Assembly here present;
The Secretary to Government of Plateau State;
The Secretary and members of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission;
The Acting Chairman and members of Council, Plateau Multi-Door Courthouse;
Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives of Government Boards and Parastatals;
The Chairmen of the various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, Plateau State;
Senior Advocates of Nigeria here present;
Chief Registrars of the High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal;
Chairmen and Members of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, SACCJAN and JUSUN;
Members of the Press;
Security Personnel here present
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
INTRODUCTION
In presiding over this solemn occasion marking our legal year, I am filled with humility and bear the weighty responsibility of representing the judiciary of Plateau State, with reverence and supreme gratitude to our Almighty Father. He is the Creator of the universe, who made it possible for us all to be in attendance at this solemn occasion to usher in the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year. In the same vein, I must without reservation humbly and respectfully welcome and appreciate you all for accepting to grace this occasion, in your resolute support to the Plateau State Judiciary and its enduring mandate as a pillar of justice and the rule of law.
I most heartily welcome His Excellency, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whose unwavering interest in and support for the Judiciary is most evident by his esteemed presence at this occasion. Your Excellency, your attendance today stands as a clear testament to your steadfast commitment to the rule of law and to the pursuit of justice for all who reside in Plateau State.
The legal year is a cherished tradition observed by all Common Law jurisdictions worldwide. It is a ceremony that seeks for Divine blessing and guidance in all judicial matters, to help judges and lawyers make fair decisions throughout the year. While acknowledging the growing complexities of modern society, which is constantly changing, giving us an opportunity to reflect on the increasing challenges judges face daily in upholding the solemn oath of office as they discharge their duties. This informed our special Friday Juma’at prayers at the Nasco Fiber Factory Mosque and Sunday Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Jos.
In the same spirit, this occasion also places upon the Honourable Judges, both of the Superior and Lower Courts, as well as all the support staff, the responsibility of reflecting on their activities in the outgoing legal year—acknowledging achievements, identifying shortcomings, and highlighting areas that call for further improvement. It is through such honest reflection that we can continue to pursue our mandate as the third arm of Government and the last hope of citizens and residents of our great nation, Nigeria. In the light of this, permit me to recount some of our modest accomplishments within the past year.
ELEVATION AND APPOINTMENT IN THE STATE JUDICIARY.
In the preceding legal year, the Plateau State High Court experienced no judicial elevations or retirements. The number of judges was reduced from Twenty (20) to Nineteen (19), following the appointment of one of our Judges to the bench of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Following recommendations made by the State Judicial Service Commission to the National Judicial Council, One(1) Khadi was appointed and recently sworn in to the Sharia Court of Appeal bench.
LOWER COURT JUDGES
In furtherance of our mandate to provide justice for all and to uphold the rule of law across the State, the Judicial Service Commission approved the conversion and or appointment of staff who had earlier obtained the requisite legal qualifications as Magistrates and Area Court Judges to address the ever-growing demand for justice delivery. In the same vein, various members of staff of the Judiciary were promoted to various cadres to enhance efficiency and strengthen the administration of justice in the State.
RECORDS OF CASE TURN- OVER
In the preceding (2024/2025), the Courts of various levels across the State dealt with civil and criminal cases as demonstrated by the following records:
HIGH COURT: The High Court recorded Thirty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred And Eleven (38,611) Criminal Cases, with Five Thousand And Sixty (5,060) disposed of, and Thirty-Three Thousand, Five Hundred And Fifty-One (33,551) pending. Forty-Four Thousand And Ninety-Nine (44,099) Civil Matters were registered with Three Thousand And Ninety-Nine (3,099) disposed of, while Thirty-One Thousand, One Hundred And Eighty (31,180) are pending.
MAGISTRATE COURTS: The Magistrate Courts recorded Eighty-Two Thousand, Three Hundred And Fifty-Seven (82,357) criminal cases, with Eleven Thousand, Eight Hundred And Eighty-One (11,881) disposed of, and Seventy Thousand, Four Hundred And Seventy-Five (70,475) pending. Sixty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred And Forty-Six (63,746) civil matters were registered with Twelve Thousand, Four Hundred And Seventy-Six (12,476) disposed of, and Fifty-One Thousand, Four Hundred And Sixty (51,460)pending.
AREA COURTS: The Upper Area Courts received and recorded Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred And Thirty-Eight (50,238) Criminal Cases, with Six Thousand And One (6,001) disposed of, and Forty-Four Thousand, Two Hundred And Thirty-Seven (44,237) pending.
The Area Courts received and registered Sixty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred And Fifty-Seven (68,157) Criminal Cases, with Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred And Sixteen (12,316) disposed of, and Fifty-Five Thousand, Eight Hundred And Forty-One (55,841) pending. The Upper Area Courts received and registered Forty Thousand, Eight Hundred And Sixty (40,860) Civil Matters with Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred And Seventy-Eight (9,878) disposed of and Thirty Thousand, Nine Hundred And Eighty-Two (30,982) pending. The Area Courts received and registered Sixty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred And Fifty-Eight (62,658) Civil Matters, with Twenty-Three Thousand And Forty-Nine (23,049) disposed of while Thirty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred And Nine (39,609) cases are still pending.
FAMILY COURTS: The Family Courts recorded One Hundred And Thirty-Seven (137) Cases With Sixty-Seven (67) disposed of and Seventy (70) still pending.
PLATEAU STATE MULTI- DOOR COURTHOUSE:
The Multi-Door Courthouse received a total of Twenty-Six (26) mediation and arbitration cases, with Seventeen (17) of those disposed of, Six (6) pending and Three (3) abandoned.
Sequel to the foregoing record of cases, it is without doubt evident that, despite the number of High Court Judges and the recent increase in the number of Magistrates, the dockets of our various Courts remain overwhelming. This clearly justifies the pressing need for the appointment of additional Superior Court Judges and Magistrates in the current legal year. However, despite this workload I am happy to inform you that the National Judicial Council recently recognised the hard work and dedication of the Judges in the Plateau State Judiciary with a letter of Commendation. To my learned Brothers I say a big well-done and I encourage us to continue with the good work of service to our beloved State and the Nation.
The Plateau State Judiciary immensely appreciates the National Judicial Council (NJC) for obliging its request to appoint Superior Court Judges as the need arises. In the same vein, the Plateau State Government’s prompt response and approval, on such occasions upon applications made by the judiciary is well appreciated.
Your Excellency, with utmost humility, I must respectfully state that the High Court will, in this legal year, be constrained to request further approvals for new appointments in the coming year. We do so not as a matter of routine, but as an imperative for sustaining justice delivery in our dear State and we look forward to receiving your usual swift and prompt positive attention to our request. We also pray that Your Excellency considers approving new vehicles for serving Judges.
PHYSICAL STRUCTURAL FACILITIES:
Within the preceding legal year, We undertook several vital construction works in a bid to provide conducive working environment for all Judges, Magistrates, Area Court Judges and staff, being mindful that this is important for ensuring access to and dispensation of justice to all Citizens. Some of the key projects undertaken are described hereunder:
COURT HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX:
In the period under review, the entire premises wore a clean new look, fenced with gates, gate house, flowers, trees, street solar lights, beautiful entrance with aesthetics worthy of a befitting modern judiciary in the 21st century. The Headquarters complex was also equipped with modern solar lighting systems, internet services and facilities. The old High Court building constructed since the colonial era, that formerly housed the headquarters before the current one, was overhauled to achieve an upgraded look, equipped with solar lights and internet services. These modern facilities were installed in the High Court Complex for the purpose of providing enhanced modern judicial services obtainable and to meet up with international standards. In addition, the Judiciary succeeded in securing a commendable approval from the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command to establish a Police Outpost within its premises, as visibly seen at the entrance of these premises. The primary purpose for this, is to enhance and ease access to police services by the Plateau State Judiciary and by extension the litigants and court users.
MULTI- DOOR COURT HOUSE BUILDING.
In like manner, consequent upon the provision of cost-effective and user-friendly access to justice by the Multi-Door Courthouse, and in response to the rising number of matters presented for adjudication before it, a magnificent, all-encompassing, state-of-the-art Conference Hall is presently under construction. Upon completion, this edifice will not only enhance service efficiency but will also provide a conducive working environment for staff and a welcoming atmosphere for the citizenry, thereby advancing the cause of accessible and friendly justice for all.
FAMILY COURT:
The Family Court is also being housed at the old High Court Complex, duly renovated and equipped with child friendly facilities.
D. RENOVATION OF OTHER COURT BUILDINGS
In addition to the development strides earlier mentioned, major renovation works are still ongoing in several Courts across some Local Governments in the State, beyond those already completed and put to use. These include the High Court Gates and Gate House, Area Courts located at Reak, Kwande, Chip, Ganawuri and Jarmai, the new Store building within these premises, the Area Courts Zonal Inspectorate Office, Bwai Road, Mangu, and the Chief Magistrate and Upper Area Court Mangu, among others.
Furthermore, solar lights have been installed in all High Court buildings, Judges’ residences, as well as Upper Area Courts and Magistrates’ Courts located in Shendam, Langtang, Pankshin, Mangu, Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, and in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area. We have also refurbished and provided chairs, docks, and other essential furniture to the above-mentioned Courts.
These laudable achievements have been made possible through the overwhelming support of the present administration of our great State. We remain deeply thankful for this support and for the cordial relationship we continue to enjoy with His Excellency. It is our earnest prayer that this collaboration will endure, for the strengthening of justice delivery and the overall betterment of Plateau State.
However, Your Excellency, Like Oliver Twist, We will still need your support to renovate all lower courts across the State that are dilapidated and non-functional. This is with a view to improving the working conditions for our lower court judges and staff working in the communities, closest to the grassroots. This would be access to justice practicalised.
E. REVIEW OF LAWS, RULES OF COURT AND PRACTICE DIRECTION
During the 2023/2024 legal year, the Administration of Criminal Justice Rules 2024 were made in our quest to increase the pace and quality of access to justice and to accommodate the seamless use of technology tools in criminal adjudication. Currently still under review and in consonance with the on-going work of Law Reforms, the Area Court Rules are also being reviewed. We shall also be creating Practice Directions to guide the introduction of e-filing and automation of court processes and procedures.
OUR VISION FOR THE NEW LEGAL YEAR
Our vision for this new year is to realize a modern, digitized, and automated judicial system with professionally trained staff, comprehensive welfare provisions, and improved revenue generation capacity, positioning Plateau State Judiciary as a model of excellence and innovation.
DIGITIZATION OF THE COURT SYSTEM
It is common knowledge that our Rules of Court provides for e-filing. Thus, within the legal year under review, we installed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets, including speech to text machines in some Courts, enabling us to conduct Virtual Court proceedings in Criminal cases in Eight (8) Courts as a pilot scheme. In the long term, we envision a fully digitized and automated process in adjudication in both the Superior and Lower Courts. Thus, we upgraded the ICT Unit to a Department of ICT and Library Services to achieve this goal and cater for the research and learning needs of Lawyers and Judges in-person, remotely or virtually. Alongside this, we shall have more infrastructure installed in more Courts and staff trained to keep up with emerging technological trends that meet with international best standards within this legal year, by the grace of God.
CONTINUING EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RE- TRAINING OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND STAFF.
Sequel to our vision for excellent service delivery, priority was given to training and re- training of all judicial officers and staff of different cadres. In the preceding year, our Judges and staff participated in both local and international training and learning sessions within the State and at the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Some of these trainings were facilitated by the Judiciary while others were facilitated by Development Organizations, which include the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), Juritrust, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) of the International IDEA. It is our desire to further enlarge the number of beneficiaries of these interventions to include all cadres of Judicial Officers and Staff within this legal year.
WELFARE OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND STAFF
The welfare of Judicial Officers and Staff has remained a matter of priority, and it continues to occupy a central place in our vision for this new legal year. We recognize that a motivated workforce is indispensable to the realization of our broader goal of achieving total digitization of the Superior and Lower Courts for efficient and timely justice delivery.
Accordingly, measures are being put in place to institute a culture of recognition and reward for meritorious service, alongside meaningful incentives for hard work and dedication. By doing so, we aim not only to uplift the morale of our officers and staff, but also to inspire greater commitment to excellence, in line with the noble mission of justice delivery.
REVENUE GENERATION
The Judiciary is strategically positioned not only to provide justice for all, which remains its primary and sacred duty, but also to contribute significantly to the economic life of the State through revenue generation. In the course of justice delivery, revenue is remitted into the government coffers by way of filing fees, penalties imposed on litigants, and PAYE deductions from the remuneration of Judges and staff. In addition, the Probate Division of the High Court plays a vital role in this regard, through estate fees and charges on the assets of deceased persons.
Thus, while justice remains our foremost mandate, the Judiciary also stands as a reliable partner in the financial sustainability of government, even as it continues to uphold its constitutional responsibility as the last hope of the common man.
CONCLUSION
SPECIAL APPRECIATION
I respectfully, at this point, wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who since assumption of office has been all ears and acted in favour of the judiciary with speed of light. Your support and cooperation is very much appreciated and will speak volumes in your favour by posterity. I am grateful to My Lords and the Heads of Court, for their unwavering support and cooperation in our desire and march to providing excellent modern justice delivery in Plateau State. The Chairmen and Exco of the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association on the Plateau (Jos, Bukuru, Pankshin and Shendam) the members of both the Inner and Outer Bar are also appreciated for their partnership, advice, sacrifices and contributions. I pray we continue in that light for the benefit of everyone in the State and the Country at large. I appreciate all and sundry who contributed in various spheres to the success of the last legal year and pray we do more to achieve exceptional heights in this new legal year.
Thank you all for your kind attention.
Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann, FCArb
The Chief Judge, Plateau State
PLATEAU STATE JUDICIARY CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES RECORDED IN THE 2024/2025 LEGAL YEAR
Court
Case Type
Cases Received/
Registered
Sept 2023 – Aug 2025
Cases Disposed Of
(Sept 2023- Aug
2025)
Cases pending
High Court
Criminal
38,611
5,060
33,551
Civil
44,099
3,099
31,180
Magistrate Court
Criminal
82,357
11,881
70,475
Civil
63,746
12,476
51,460
Upper Area Courts
Criminal
50,238
6,001
44,237
Civil
40,860
9,878
30,982
Area Courts
Criminal
68,157
12,316
55,841
Civil
62,658
23,049
39,609
Family Court
Mixed
137
67
70
Multi-Door Courthouse
Mediation/Arbitration
26
17
6
(3 Abandoned)
REVENUE
OVERALL SUMMARY SHEET OF REVENUE FROM
SEPTEMBER 2023 – AUGUST 2025
FEES
FINE
PROBATE
GRAND TOTAL
Sept 2023 – August 2024
44, 161, 410
32, 785, 661
79, 147, 227
156, 094, 298.00
Sept 2024 – August 2025
54, 517, 160
46,821, 855
97, 565, 410.51
198, 904, 425.51.
