Borno Swears In 6 High Court Judges

The Borno State government has sworn in six newly appointed High Court judges in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers, Government House, Maiduguri.

The ceremony was presided over by the acting governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, while the oath of office and oath of allegiance were administered by the chief judge of the state, Justice Kashim Zanna.

Those sworn in are Babagana Mallam Yarema, Babakura Tijjani Zannah, Peter James Bwala, Hadiza Grema Mustapha, Alhaji Umar Alkali, and Yahaya Alhaji Dunoma.

In his remarks, the acting governor described the exercise as a deliberate institutional step aimed at strengthening the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and enhancing the efficiency of justice delivery in the state. He stressed that the appointment of the judges was not merely ceremonial but part of broader reforms to improve the justice system.

Kadafur noted that the administration had prioritised the modernisation of judicial processes through the adoption of digital platforms such as e-filing systems, electronic case management, and digital legal resources.

According to him, these reforms are designed to reduce delays, improve transparency, and boost public confidence in the judiciary.

Kadafur charged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold integrity, support the digitisation and modernisation agenda of the judiciary, and ensure that justice is dispensed fairly, promptly, and without fear or favour.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Borno State Government to providing the necessary infrastructure, training, and institutional support to sustain judicial reforms.

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed judges, Hon. Justice Umar Alkali pledged their commitment to living up to expectations and justifying the confidence reposed in them.

He assured that they would operate strictly within the ambit of the law and contribute positively to advancing the administration of justice in the state.

Justice Alkali expressed gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Acting Governor, and the Chief Judge for finding them worthy of the appointment, and pledged to discharge their duties with the fear of God, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.