The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama Branch in Bayelsa, Barr. Ogheneochuko Sampson, has thrown his weight behind calls for the establishment of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and banditry cases across Nigeria.
Sampson, who spoke to journalists on Saturday ahead of the NBA Sagbama Branch 2026 Law Week, however, expressed doubts about the willingness of state governments and the Federal Government to implement the proposal due to funding, infrastructure, and manpower challenges.
The Law Week, themed “True Justice: The Need for Institutional and Individual Accountability in Safeguarding Democracy,” is scheduled to hold from June 21 to June 28, 2026.
According to him, special courts dedicated to kidnapping and banditry cases would enhance speedy justice, similar to the handling of election petitions.
“The idea is a welcome development. Just as electoral matters are treated specially, courts for kidnapping and banditry cases should be established across the federation,” he said.
He stressed that creating such courts would require substantial investment in judicial infrastructure, recruitment of judges, and sustainable funding.
“The challenge is whether governments are ready to fund the courts, employ more judges, and provide the necessary infrastructure for their effective operation,” he added.
Sampson noted that tackling insecurity goes beyond establishing special courts, insisting that governments must also address the root causes of crime.
“The fight against insecurity ultimately rests with the executive arm of government. Questions must be asked about security spending and how criminals gain access to sophisticated weapons,” he stated.
The outgoing NBA Sagbama chairman also rated the relationship between the executive and judiciary in Bayelsa State highly.
He attributed improvements in justice delivery to investments in court infrastructure and road projects by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
Sampson described Bayelsa’s judicial infrastructure as among the best in Nigeria, noting that modern court facilities have improved access to justice across local government areas.
He recalled that poor infrastructure and security concerns previously forced many judges to sit in Yenagoa instead of rural communities.
According to him, transportation challenges, especially to riverine areas such as Brass, often delayed judicial proceedings and increased operational costs.
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He expressed optimism that ongoing road projects, including the Nembe-Brass Road, would further strengthen access to justice in remote communities.
Sampson said justice delivery has improved significantly in local government areas such as Ekeremor and Sagbama due to better infrastructure and accessibility.
“If I am to score judicial performance in Bayelsa State, I will give it 80 per cent. The judges are doing well, and the justice system is making steady progress,” he said.
He also commended the cordial relationship between the bench and the bar, describing it as a key factor in the state’s improving justice sector.
