- info@jsc.kogistate.gov.ng
The Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal is a constitutionally established superior court of record, inaugurated in 1991 following the creation of Kogi State from the former Benue and Kwara States. Our Court was created under the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal Law, Edict No. 7 of 1991, in line with Section 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
We are dedicated to interpreting and applying Islamic law with fairness, transparency, and adherence to the principles of Sharia. Our jurisdiction covers both appellate and original cases, ensuring that matters under Islamic law are resolved justly and in accordance with the Holy Qur’an, Sunnah, and other recognized sources of Islamic jurisprudence.
The Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal hears:
Appeals from lower Sharia Courts on matters involving Islamic personal law.
Original cases where the Constitution grants first-instance jurisdiction.
Our scope includes:
Islamic marriage and divorce
Maintenance and child custody
Inheritance and succession under Islamic law
Civil and commercial disputes governed by Sharia principles
We operate as a Court of Record, meaning our decisions form part of the binding judicial precedents in Nigeria’s legal system.
To be a model Sharia appellate court delivering justice that is fair, timely, and in full compliance with the principles of Islamic law, while promoting public trust and confidence in the judicial process.
To deliver impartial judgments based on Islamic legal principles and the rule of law.
To protect the rights and dignity of all individuals under our jurisdiction.
To ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of location, by maintaining registries across the state.
To foster transparency, professionalism, and integrity in all judicial processes.
The Court is headed by the Honourable Grand Kadi, appointed in accordance with constitutional provisions and on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council through the Judicial Service Commission of Kogi State.
Honourable Kadi Abdulkareem Aikoye Aruwa is the current Grand Kadi and head of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal. He was appointed on 21st May 2019 as the fourth Grand Kadi since the Court’s establishment in 1991. His appointment was in recognition of his distinguished legal career, deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, and unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.
Since assuming office, Hon. Kadi Aruwa has led the Sharia Court of Appeal with a clear vision of strengthening judicial excellence, promoting discipline among judicial officers, and ensuring that justice under Islamic law remains accessible to all citizens of Kogi State. His leadership style blends traditional Sharia principles with modern judicial best practices, ensuring that court proceedings are efficient, transparent, and in line with constitutional provisions.
© 2025 Kogi State Judiciary Commission | Powered by Kogi State Judiciary Commission | Prodygytal Designs Inc.