In a move aimed at bolstering the fight against corruption in Katsina State, the Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, has expressed his commitment to ensuring that the state’s judiciary is fully equipped to handle corruption-related cases efficiently. He assured that a special court dedicated to such cases would soon be established.
This was disclosed during a meeting on Thursday when Justice Abubakar received members of the newly established Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, who were on a familiarisation tour at the Katsina High Court. The Chief Judge, who has held various positions within the judiciary, emphasized the need for the anti-corruption agency to be thorough and meticulous in its investigations and operations.
“There is corruption all over the land, and you have an additional task of listening to public complaints, particularly against public officials,” Justice Abubakar noted, highlighting the commission’s pivotal role in tackling corruption at all levels of governance. “You have a responsibility to check corruption even if it’s in high places. Probably, only the governor and his deputy have immunity now, and not even their families.”
In a strong message, Justice Abubakar pointed out that the judiciary would be working closely with the commission to ensure justice and fairness in its operations. He added that the commission is fortunate to be starting its operations in the digital age and urged the members to leverage technology to enhance their work.
“Now it is the technology age, you are lucky you are beginning. I want you to base all your operations on computer technology (ICT),” Justice Abubakar advised, stressing the importance of maintaining accurate and detailed electronic records. “Our biggest problem before in many cases is evidence presentation in court. No matter how good a case is, if there is no or weak evidence, you will see a murderer escaping. So, base all your operations on the computer right from the arrest, interrogation, and collection of evidence.”
Justice Abubakar further elaborated on the importance of combating corruption across all sectors, noting that corruption is a chain that thrives on support from different quarters. “Corruption is a chain if you don’t support it, it will not go. There are even some businessmen ready to support corrupt government officials; they are all guilty, and you should get them. Do not go after civil servants alone, get contractors who are found wanting. Don’t allow anybody to go scot-free.”
He reiterated his commitment to establishing a special court that would focus solely on corruption cases, with the necessary infrastructure, including an electronic evidence presentation system, to ensure that justice is served effectively and efficiently.
Justice Abubakar also called on the media to play a more constructive role in the fight against corruption. He noted that the media has a critical role in either facilitating or deterring corruption, depending on how it conducts its coverage of corrupt practices. “The journalists have their own part in facilitating corruption with some covering the corrupt officials for whatever reason. In every profession, there are good and bad eggs; unless you support the commission, it will not succeed,” he added.
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the commission, Justice Lawal Garba (Rtd), who led the delegation, expressed his appreciation for the Chief Judge’s support. Justice Garba highlighted the importance of the judiciary’s role in the commission’s success and sought guidance and assistance from Justice Abubakar to ensure the commission achieves its objectives.
“In the whole cadre of the judiciary today in Katsina State, it’s on the record that no judge has started from the grassroots and attained your experience – you started from the magistrate to chief magistrate, to chief registrar, to judge, and to the chief judge,” Justice Garba remarked, acknowledging the vast experience Justice Abubakar brings to the table.
The delegation also paid a visit to the Katsina State Commissioner for Justice, Fadila Dikko, who pledged her ministry’s full support to the commission. She acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of corruption in the country and emphasized the need for collaboration in the fight against it.
“Corruption in the country has become deep-seated, so you can count on our support. However, all hands must be on deck to fight corruption. You are all aware that the commission is under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice, so we are partners,” Commissioner Dikko stated, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to the anti-corruption drive.
The Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission was established in late 2023 with the mandate to stem the tide of corruption in the state. It was formally inaugurated in January, marking a new chapter in the state’s efforts to curb corrupt practices and promote accountability at all levels of government.
As the commission begins its work, the support and collaboration from key state institutions like the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice will be crucial in ensuring that it meets its objectives and delivers on its mandate to the people of Katsina State.
