- Hassan Usman Katsina Way, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
- info@jsc.kogistate.gov.ng
The constitutional foundation of the Kogi State High Court and its jurisdiction under Nigerian law.
The Kogi State High Court of Justice was formally established in 1991, following the creation of Kogi State. Its authority is derived from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides the legal foundation for the existence, powers, and jurisdiction of every state High Court in Nigeria.
Through the Constitution, the High Court is recognized as the apex trial court in Kogi State, vested with the power to interpret laws, enforce rights, and oversee the administration of justice across its 23 judicial divisions and numerous subordinate courts.
The Constitution, under Section 270(1), makes it mandatory for every state in Nigeria to have its own High Court:
“There shall be a High Court for each State of the Federation.”
This provision gave birth to the Kogi State High Court upon the creation of the state in 1991. From its initial four divisions—Lokoja, Ankpa, Idah, and Okene—the Court has expanded into a robust judicial system with 23 divisions, over 200 subordinate courts, and 9 zonal inspectorates, ensuring that justice is not limited to the state capital but reaches every region of the state.
The jurisdiction of the High Court is provided in Section 272(1) of the Constitution:
“Subject to the provisions of Section 251 and other provisions of this Constitution, the High Court of a State shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings in which the existence or extent of a legal right, power, duty, liability, privilege, interest, obligation, or claim is in issue…”
This gives the High Court broad authority to preside over both civil and criminal cases, including disputes about rights, obligations, contracts, property, and serious criminal offenses. It ensures that the Court functions as the apex trial court in Kogi State, handling matters of significant importance and complexity.
In addition to Sections 270 and 272, several other constitutional provisions guide the operation of the High Court:
Judicial Independence (Section 36 & 6): Guarantees the independence of courts and the right to fair hearing.
Appointment of Judges (Section 271): Provides for the appointment of the Chief Judge and other judges by the Governor of the State on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Tenure and Retirement (Section 291): Judges hold office until the mandatory retirement age, ensuring stability and continuity.
Supervisory Role: The Constitution empowers the High Court to supervise the work of lower courts, ensuring accountability and consistency in the administration of justice.
Together, these provisions form the legal backbone of the High Court, ensuring it remains an independent, impartial, and effective guardian of justice.
The constitutional provisions are not abstract legal texts—they are the daily reality guiding how justice is delivered in Kogi State. They provide the framework for:
Establishing and expanding judicial divisions (23 divisions across the state).
Empowering the High Court to oversee Magistracy, Area, and Specialized Courts.
Guaranteeing citizens’ right to fair hearing and equal access to justice.
Ensuring judges are appointed and retained in line with constitutional safeguards.
This framework has enabled the High Court of Kogi State to grow from four divisions in 1991 to its present structure, bringing justice closer to the people while protecting their rights under the law.
The High Court Mandate
Constitutional Provision
The Judges
Administration
About The High Court
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