Katsina State is set to launch a specialized electronic court dedicated to handling corruption cases and related offences, according to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi. The announcement was made on Thursday during a meeting with the Katsina State Anti-Corruption Commission.
Justice Danladi emphasized the importance of integrating technology into the judicial process, stating, “We are also going electronic because we are setting up an electronic evidence presentation system, from arrest, interrogation, and collection of evidence.” He pointed out that one of the major challenges in the judicial process is the lack of sufficient evidence, which has allowed many suspects to escape justice.
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“This is the age of technology, and we have to base everything on the computer,” Danladi said, underscoring the necessity of modernizing the state’s legal framework to keep pace with advancements in technology. He revealed that the special court will focus exclusively on corruption cases and will be fully equipped with an electronic evidence presentation system to ensure the proper handling of such cases.
Justice Danladi also expressed the need for close collaboration between the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission. “We are going into a serious collaboration with you, since it is a new entity. You need a lot of enlightenment, you must follow due process, and do not look at anybody but Katsina State,” he advised the commission.
He further urged the commission to broaden its focus beyond civil servants and to hold contractors and other individuals accountable for corrupt practices. “Do not go after civil servants alone; get contractors who are found wanting. Don’t allow anybody to go scot-free,” the Chief Judge asserted, promising his full support for the commission’s efforts.
In addition to the establishment of the special electronic court, Justice Danladi announced plans to set up special magistrate courts in each of the three senatorial districts of the state to further enhance the fight against corruption.
The Chairman of the Katsina State Anti-Corruption Commission, Justice Lawal Garba (rtd), who led the visit, expressed the commission’s need for judicial advice and support from the Chief Judge. He highlighted the importance of the judiciary’s role in overseeing criminal cases and ensuring that due process is followed. “By virtue of your office, you have the power to take over any criminal cases or to drop any, and there is a need for us to familiarize with your office and also advise us accordingly,” Garba stated.
The move towards an electronic court system in Katsina State represents a significant step in the state’s efforts to combat corruption, with the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission working closely to ensure that offenders are held accountable.
