The Taraba State Judiciary on Wednesday formally unveiled the 2025 Draft Procedure Rules for the establishment and operation of a Family Court, in what stakeholders described as a major step forward in addressing domestic and gender-based legal issues in the state.
Speaking during a validation programme held in Jalingo, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Joel Agya, described the unveiling as a milestone in the judicial reforms under Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration. He said the court will have jurisdiction over cases involving child abuse, divorce, domestic violence, maintenance, and adoption.
Justice Agya emphasized the need to protect vulnerable individuals, noting that most perpetrators of gender-based crimes are often close to their victims—ranging from relatives and teachers to religious leaders and other authority figures.
“These crimes are committed in homes, workplaces, schools, public transport, and open spaces. A specialized court is needed to handle these sensitive cases effectively,” Agya said.
He added that the judiciary had sought technical assistance from the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to draft the rules, ensuring that proceedings will be smooth, efficient, and just.
The Chief Judge also acknowledged the role of the state’s First Lady, Mrs Agyin Kefas, in advocating for the Family Court. He praised her tireless efforts and also commended Governor Kefas for his commitment to judicial and institutional reforms.
In her remarks, Mrs Kefas expressed gratitude to the judiciary for swiftly responding to her advocacy, stressing the need to tackle rising cases of child abuse, rape, and discrimination against women and children in Taraba.
Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gibson Kataps, advocated capital punishment for rapists, stating that such crimes are inexcusable.
“Women are more in number than men. No rapist has any justification for the act,” Kataps said, applauding the First Lady’s work in promoting justice for women and children.
Representing the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, the Chief of Studies at the NJI, Yusuf Kayode, explained that the newly drafted rules were shaped by international best practices and broad consultations.
“These rules are not just technical documents—they are instruments of justice designed to ensure that family-related proceedings are swift, sensitive, rehabilitative, and uphold human dignity,” he said.
