More than 50 Shari’a court judges from Kano and Kaduna states convened in Kaduna to chart a new course for the administration of justice in efforts to curb the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the two states.

Speaking at the joint session, the Acting Grand Khadi of Kano State, Kadi Mukhtar Muhammad Kunti, said the gathering aimed to equip judges with updated guidelines that ease the burden of proof for GBV survivors and improve the handling of such cases in courts.

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He highlighted a newly gazetted practice direction, dated February 25, 2025, designed to strengthen civil procedure rules in both states.

The directive allows for alternative methods of adjudicating abuse cases, especially those occurring in private settings or without witnesses.

It applies to all civil cases before Upper and Shari’a courts in the states.

Kadi Kunti also urged the Kano State Government to domesticate and implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, joining 35 other Nigerian states that have adopted the legislation to combat GBV.

The one-day joint session was organized by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) of Bayero University, Kano, and supported by the Ford Foundation.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, the ministry’s Director of Planning, Yakubu Muhammad, called on Shari’a court judges to take decisive action against the growing menace of GBV, which he described as a severe violation of human rights.

The forum underscored the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring survivors of gender-based violence receive justice and protection, while reinforcing calls for legal reforms and systemic support in northern Nigeria.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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