By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Ministry of Justice has announced plans to establish mobile courts in rural communities to improve access to justice and encourage residents at the grassroots to seek legal redress through the courts.
The Commissioner for Justice, Fadillah Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Katsina, lamenting the low patronage of courts by people in rural areas despite the availability of legal remedies.
She said the ministry would soon embark on a statewide sensitisation campaign in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Development Programme (CDP) to educate residents on the importance of using the courts to resolve disputes and protect their rights.
According to the commissioner, the ministry also plans to recruit more lawyers to ensure the effective operation of the proposed mobile courts across the state.
Fadillah further revealed that the ministry would establish electronic law libraries (e-libraries) in Katsina, Funtua and Daura to strengthen the administration of justice and enhance the performance of legal practitioners.
She added that funds have been proposed in the 2027 state budget for the renovation of five rent tribunals across the state.
According to her, the tribunal buildings are in poor condition and require rehabilitation to provide a conducive working environment for judges, lawyers and court users.