The Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon. Justice Dije Aboki, has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Kano Multi-Court House (KMCH), a development she described as a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to modernize its justice system and strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, brought together members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, government officials, and civil society actors. Justice Aboki said the establishment of the council reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to reducing case backlogs and promoting peaceful coexistence through timely and effective dispute resolution.
She noted that the strategic direction of the KMCH is anchored on the Kano Multi-Door Court House Law of 2022, urging the newly inaugurated council members to align their work with the objectives outlined under Section 4 and the operational mandates under Section 14 of the law.
“The citizens of Kano State look to the judiciary not only for justice, but for timely, effective justice,” she stated. “Your work will play a major role in restoring public confidence and expanding access to peaceful resolution processes.”
Justice Aboki reminded the council of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary, ensure professionalism, and strengthen public trust in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
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The Multi-Court House, formerly the Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC), forms part of a wider national initiative to institutionalize ADR channels such as mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and restorative justice, providing quicker and culturally grounded alternatives to conventional litigation.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Nasir Adamu Aliyu SAN of the Department of Public Law, Bayero University Kano, emphasized the transformative role of the institution in justice delivery. He explained that the KMCH, established in 2009 within the High Court premises, was inspired by the “Comprehensive Justice Centre” concept developed by legal scholar Professor Frank Sander.
He said the KMCH embodies the judiciary’s commitment to accessible, affordable, and culturally adaptable justice systems, which align with traditional practices such as Sulh, a long-standing method of dispute resolution in Islamic communities.
Professor Aliyu outlined three critical priorities for the newly inaugurated council: raising public awareness on ADR as a first-choice option in appropriate cases; ensuring high standards, ethics, and cultural sensitivity among mediators and arbitrators; and promoting innovation through partnerships, technology adoption, and data-driven reform processes.
He also called for strategic collaboration between the KMCH and the Kano State Advisory Council of Prerogative of Mercy to assist in resolving criminal matters involving forgiveness, reconciliation, and compensation in line with Sharia principles. He cited the center’s successful mediation of a potentially volatile public dispute between two prominent Islamic clerics in a single sitting, led by respected neutrals such as Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Dr. Tahir Adamu (Baba Impossible).
In a welcome address, Chief Registrar of the High Court, Barrister Hussein Hassan, described the inauguration as a major advancement in the administration of justice in Kano. He said the establishment of the Governing Council will strengthen coordination and efficiency across mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and restorative justice platforms.
He noted that the recently endorsed Practice Direction on Restorative Justice underscores the judiciary’s people-centered approach, focusing on reconciliation and accountability, particularly in criminal matters where social harmony can be restored.
Acting Director of the KMCH, Barrister Yahaya Muhd Sani, highlighted the center’s achievements in resolving civil matters such as marital conflicts and business disputes without recourse to the police or lengthy court processes. He stressed that KMCH decisions are binding and enforceable, contributing significantly to decongesting correctional facilities.
The event concluded with renewed calls for deeper reflection on the evolving role of ADR in strengthening peace, promoting social harmony, and enhancing justice delivery in Kano.
The inauguration of the Governing Council is expected to open a new chapter of innovative, community-driven conflict resolution that aligns with Kano’s legal traditions and contemporary needs.
(Justice Watch)