The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the closure of the Court of Appeal in Gombe and the transfer of all pending appeals to the newly established Maiduguri Division.
In a virtual emergency congress held via Google Meet on May 13, 2025, the branch unanimously passed several resolutions condemning the decision and raising serious concerns about security risks along the Gombe–Maiduguri road.
The meeting, presided over by the Branch Chairman, Barr. Benjamin Sati, maintained that the closure of the Gombe Division was unwarranted, as there was no prevailing security threat in the state to justify such a move.
In contrast, the branch argued that Maiduguri poses greater security concerns due to the resurgence of Boko Haram activities along the route.
As part of its resolutions, the NBA Gombe Branch declared that its members will not attend any Court of Appeal sittings in Maiduguri, citing safety risks for legal practitioners traveling to the Borno State capital.
The branch resolution partly read, “Write a formal protest letter to the President of the Court of Appeal, copying the Presiding Justice of the Maiduguri Division, detailing its grievances over the transfer of cases.
“Boycott all sittings of the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri until the Gombe Division is reopened.
“Direct every lawyer or law firm served with hearing notices for Maiduguri to issue a formal letter, citing insecurity as the reason for non-attendance. This letter, accompanied by a N1000 Remita receipt, is to be submitted through the NBA Branch Representative for filing at the Maiduguri Division ahead of scheduled hearings.”
Furthermore, the branch resolved to seek an audience with the Governor of Gombe State to explore steps toward the restoration of the Gombe Division.
“A press conference involving both print and electronic media will also be convened to publicly express the branch’s position and call on relevant authorities in the justice sector to act in the interest of justice and fairness,” Sati added.
