The High Court of Justice in Niger State has issued a landmark directive prohibiting non-lawyer police officers from prosecuting cases in Magistrate and Sharia Courts, set to take effect on April 7, 2025. The ruling, made by Chief Judge Hon. Justice Halima I. Abdulmalik, adheres to the provisions of Section 166(1) of the Police Act 2020 and Section 179(d) of the Niger State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2023, which mandate that only qualified legal professionals handle prosecutions in these courts.

In a circular dated March 14, 2025, Chief Registrar Amina Laminde Musa-Saidu emphasized that the move is part of efforts to maintain the integrity of legal processes across the state’s lower courts. The directive, which was issued to magistrates and Sharia judges, reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to advancing criminal justice reforms and ensuring due process.

The implementation of this policy is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over procedural irregularities often linked to non-lawyer-led prosecutions. By ensuring that only trained legal professionals handle such cases, the reform is expected to enhance fairness, reduce legal errors, and protect defendants’ constitutional rights.

This policy is in line with national efforts to professionalize the judiciary, following similar reforms in states like Lagos and Kaduna. While the circular does not specify penalties for non-compliance, it underscores the judiciary’s determination to uphold modern legal standards and strengthen justice delivery in Niger State.

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