By Jummai Ishaku, Jalingo – June 4, 2025
The Taraba State Judiciary has presented the draft Family Court (Procedure) Rules 2025, as part of efforts to formalise the establishment and operations of a family court in the state.
The presentation was made by the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, during the validation programme held on Wednesday in Jalingo.
Justice Agya said the court would have jurisdiction over matters relating to family law, including divorce, child custody, gender-based violence, adoption, child abuse, and related issues. He disclosed that the initiative was in response to growing concerns over violations of the rights of women and children in the state.
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The Chief Judge noted that most cases of gender-based violence are perpetrated by persons close to the victims, such as family members, teachers, religious leaders, and employers, often occurring within homes, schools, workplaces, and public transportation.
He revealed that the draft rules were developed with technical support from the National Judicial Institute (NJI), following his formal request to the institute.
According to him, “The establishment of the family court and the corresponding rules of procedure are essential to ensure swift, professional, and victim-sensitive handling of family-related cases in Taraba State.”
Justice Agya attributed the initiative to the advocacy of Mrs Agyin Kefas, wife of the state governor, who had earlier called for the establishment of a specialised court to handle family matters.
He commended Governor Agbu Kefas for the reforms and infrastructural support extended to the judiciary, noting that the judiciary under his administration had recorded landmark achievements.
In her remarks, Mrs Kefas expressed appreciation to the judiciary for its prompt response to her call. She said the creation of the family court would provide a structured platform for addressing rising cases of child abuse, sexual violence, and the marginalisation of women.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Gibson Kataps, advocated capital punishment for offenders convicted of rape in the state, describing the act as unjustifiable under any circumstance.
Chief Kataps further lauded the First Lady for her dedication to the welfare of women and children, and commended the judiciary for taking steps towards institutionalising protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups.
In his address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, represented by Mr Yusuf Kayode, Chief Studies Fellow at the Institute, said the development of the rules followed best international practices and inclusive stakeholder consultations.
He said, “These rules are more than procedural instruments—they are mechanisms of justice designed to ensure that family and child-related matters are treated with speed, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity.”
NEWSPOINTER recalls that the Chief Judge recently designated High Court 9 in Jalingo as the state’s first family court, with Justice Clara Kataps appointed as the pioneer judge.
