The Taraba State Judiciary has unveiled the 2025 Draft Procedure Rules for the establishment and operation of a Family Court in the state. The announcement was made during a Validation Programme held in Jalingo on Wednesday.
Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, described the unveiling as a significant milestone in implementing the family court system, which aims to address various domestic and gender-based legal issues in the state.
Jurisdiction and Purpose of the Family Court
According to Justice Agya, the newly established Family Court will have jurisdiction over critical matters including child abuse, divorce, domestic violence, adoption, and maintenance cases. The court is specifically designed to protect vulnerable individuals within the state.
The Chief Judge emphasized that perpetrators of gender-based violence are often individuals with close access to victims, including family members, teachers, religious leaders, and others in positions of authority.
"These crimes are committed in homes, public places, workplaces, schools, and even on public transport," Justice Agya stated, highlighting the widespread nature of such offenses.
Technical Support and Implementation
Following the establishment of the Family Court, the judiciary sought technical assistance from the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in drafting the rules that would guide its operations. This collaboration aims to ensure smooth, efficient, and just proceedings in family-related cases.
Justice Agya acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the First Lady of Taraba State, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, who was instrumental in the creation of the court. He also commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his unwavering support to the judiciary, which has led to notable reforms under his administration.
Stakeholders' Reactions
The First Lady, Mrs. Kefas, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for swiftly responding to her call for the court's creation. She highlighted the urgent need to tackle rising cases of child abuse, rape, and discrimination against women and children in the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gibson Kataps, took a strong stance by advocating for capital punishment for rapists, declaring that such crimes are inexcusable and must be dealt with severely.
"Women are more in number than men, and no rapist has any justification for the act," Kataps said, while praising the governor's wife for her commitment to the protection and development of women and children.
The Administrator of the NJI, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, represented by the Chief Studies, Yusuf Kayode, noted that the newly drafted rules were shaped by international best practices, competitive jurisprudence, and broad consultations.
"These rules are not just procedural frameworks; they are instruments of justice. They are designed to ensure that proceedings involving families and children are swift, sensitive, rehabilitative, and respectful of human dignity," Abdullahi stated.
The establishment of this specialized court represents a significant step forward in Taraba State's efforts to address domestic issues and protect vulnerable members of society through a dedicated legal framework.
