The Sokoto judiciary has intensified capacity-building for its personnel in ICT strategies to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

The chief registrar of the Sokoto State High Court, Aliyu Jafar, stated this in an interview on Thursday in Sokoto.

Mr Jafar said the effort was in line with modern judicial practices, adding that many court staff had undergone ICT training to enable the electronic filing of cases.

He explained that the move was aimed at reducing delays, improving record management, and aligning Sokoto’s justice system with national and global best practices.

The chief registrar said that the judiciary had established a dedicated ICT Department within the court system, where personnel now undertake regular in-house training to strengthen digital competence. 

He said that the high court had recorded significant progress in case management, judicial reforms, and access to justice.

According to him, in 2025, no fewer than 1,155 cases were registered, and the digital capacity was expanded, disclosing that it was a good performance.

The chief registrar explained that the chief judge, Justice Sa’idu Sifawa, had released 78 inmates from Sokoto correctional facilities in 2025 as part of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law processes.

He said that the releases were based on legal reviews, prolonged detention without trial, and other humanitarian considerations, in line with constitutional safeguards and judicial discretion.

Mr Jafar added that the high court remains the central forum for the adjudication of disputes between parties, handling criminal, civil, and other motions duly filed before the court.

He stressed that the judiciary ensured that cases were processed in line with due process, judicial ethics, and constitutional provisions, despite challenges posed by rising caseloads.

The chief registrar added that the judiciary would continue to embrace innovation, training, and collaboration to meet national judicial standards and public expectations.

He stressed that the achievements recorded under Mr Sifawa’s leadership reflect a broader national outlook focused on judicial efficiency, access to justice, and the modernization of court processes across Nigeria.

Mr Jafar further disclosed that the high court was ready to adopt an Alternative Dispute Resolution strategy and was fully engaged in the interpretation of child protection and violence against persons prohibition laws. 

(NAN)