About - Kogi State High Court

About Kogi State High Court

The Kogi State High Court of Justice is the apex trial court in Kogi State, Nigeria. Established in 1991 following the creation of Kogi State, the Court derives its authority from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), specifically Sections 270(1) and 272(1). Since its inception, the Court has grown from four divisions—Lokoja, Ankpa, Idah, and Okene—to 23 divisions spread across the state, supported by over 200 subordinate courts and 9 zonal inspectorate offices.

History & Growth

At the time of Kogi State’s creation in 1991, the High Court began with a modest structure of four judicial divisions. Recognizing the growing demand for justice, successive Chief Judges expanded the judiciary into a robust system with divisions in every major region of the state.

Today, the High Court provides oversight not only for its 23 divisions but also for:

Magistrate Courts – including Family, Revenue, Mobile, and Small Claims Courts.
Area and Upper Area Courts – ensuring access to justice at the grassroots.
Specialized Courts – such as Family High Courts, addressing sensitive matters.

The establishment of Zonal Inspectorate Offices in Idah, Ankpa, Kabba, Obangede, Bassa, Okene, Isanlu, Lokoja, and Dekina ensures effective supervision, compliance, and judicial accountability across the state.

Mandate & Constitutional Basis

The High Court serves as the highest trial court in Kogi State, mandated to:

Interpret and enforce the laws of Nigeria and Kogi State.
Safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Provide equal access to justice regardless of status.
Oversee the administration of lower courts.
Deliver fair and impartial rulings in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.

This mandate is firmly grounded in Sections 270(1) and 272(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the existence and jurisdiction of a High Court in every state of the federation.

Mission & Vision

Mission

To provide equal access to justice, protect rights, and deliver efficient, independent, and transparent judicial services to all citizens of Kogi State.

Vision

To be a modern judiciary rooted in integrity, efficiency, and global best practices, ensuring justice is timely, accessible, and trusted by all.

Leadership & Administration

The High Court is headed by the Honourable Chief Judge of Kogi State, currently Hon. Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, confirmed in March 2023. Under his leadership, the judiciary has witnessed reforms in accountability, infrastructure, and modernization.

The Chief Registrar serves as the administrative head, supported by Directorates, Departments, and Zonal Inspectorates, ensuring that both judicial and non-judicial staff carry out their functions effectively.

Judicial Structure

The Kogi State High Court of Justice operates through a well-organized structure designed to bring justice closer to the people. Across the state, the Court maintains 23 Judicial Divisions, each serving as a hub for major civil and criminal trials. At the grassroots, justice is delivered through the Magistracy Courts, which include Magistrate, Family, Revenue, Mobile, and Small Claims Courts, as well as the Area and Upper Area Courts that serve community-level needs.

Supporting this system are specialized registries such as the Central Registry, Probate Registry, and Appeals Registry, which manage filings, estate matters, and appellate processes. In addition, the High Court oversees Specialized Courts, including Family High Courts and Customary Courts, which address sensitive and community-related matters.

This judicial framework ensures that justice delivery is accessible, affordable, and effective, reducing barriers of distance, cost, and time for the citizens of Kogi State.

About The High Court