Lawyers Back Special Courts For Kidnapping, Banditry Cases

Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama branch in Bayelsa State, Barr. Ogheneochuko Sampson, has declared support for calls for the establishment of special courts to ensure speedy prosecution of kidnapping and banditry cases across the country.

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa ahead of the 2026 Law Week of the NBA Sagbama branch, Sampson described the proposal by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo as a step in the right direction but noted that its success would depend on adequate funding and political commitment.

The branch is scheduled to hold its Law Week from June 21 to June 28, 2026, with the theme: “True Justice: The Need for Institutional and Individual Accountability in Safeguarding Democracy.”

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. The courts should be replicated in all the states of the federation.”

He, however, warned that creating special courts alone would not solve the country’s security challenges.

“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 said.

The NBA chairman added that the fight against insecurity goes beyond the judiciary and should also focus on the responsibilities of the executive arm of government.

“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 said.

Sampson also commended the Bayelsa State government for improving judicial infrastructure and access to justice in the state, describing the Bayelsa judiciary as one of the best in the country.

“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,” he said.

According to him, the construction of new court facilities and road projects by the state government has improved access to justice, especially in riverine communities.

“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 have improved tremendously.”

Sampson further rated the performance of the state’s justice system highly, saying judges in the state have continued to discharge their duties effectively despite challenges.

“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,” he added.