The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere EKun, has emphasized the crucial duty of judges to administer justice with ...
She stated this at The 26 Annual Judge's Conference, organised by the Centre for Islamic legal Studies ABU in collaboration with National Judicial Institute (NJI), held at Ahmadu Bello University Congo campus, Zaria.
Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere represented by the National Judicial Institute Secretary, Brr. Abdulazeez Aluwo, stressed the importance of ensuring that the interests of both judgment creditors and judgment debtors are properly considered.
According to her , the legal system must deliver justice while acknowledging economic realities in order to maintain a harmonious and progressive society.
She highlighted the central role of Sharia in shaping the personal and financial lives of Muslims in Nigeria.
Representative of CJN
Justice. Kudirat noted that modern financial complexities require informed judicial interpretation, especially in areas not explicitly addressed by classical jurisprudence,to makes judicial intervention, rooted in established sources of Islamic law, essential.
The Chief judge called for the establishment of a consultative committee made up of appellate justices, kadis, eminent Sharia scholars, and experts in modern finance.
She added that Such a committee would provide authoritative guidance on rights and obligations affected by economic activities and issue timely opinions on emerging jurisprudential issues, to Enhancing Public Understanding and Strengthening Judicial Delivery
Therefore, urged judicial officers and academics to intensify efforts in educating the public and professionals on Islamic financial regulations.
Justice Kudirat stressed that clear guidance ensures consistency, predictability, and fairness.
The Chief judge also reminded judges of their responsibility to deliver well-researched and sound judgments to maintain public confidence.
Earlier, , the Director Of the Centre for Islamic legal studies, Dr. Sa'ad Abubbakar stressing that the event demonstrates a collective commitment to strengthening the administration of justice.
He highlights the importance of advancing legal scholarship and improving judicial competence, especially through collaboration between the Center for Islamic Legal Studies and the National Judicial Institute.
Director of the Centre CIL ABU
The Director, explains that fluctuations in currency value, inflation, and unstable exchange rates have significant effects on commercial transactions and the enforcement of legal rights.
"These economic realities pose new challenges for Sharia courts, where fairness, restitution, and the protection of rights are central principles. said"
The Emir of Zazzau, represented by the Wazirin Zazzau Kadi Muhammad Inuwa Aminu, emphasized the need for urgent reforms in the justice sector, especially the Sharia court system, due to rising economic challenges affecting cases such as khul‘i divorce and dowry repayment.
In his remarks,the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, represented by Brr. Zainab Salim,
said the long-standing collaboration between NJI and ABU was praised, especially the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which strengthens cooperation in training, academic mentorship, and certification.
He stressed the relevance of this year’s theme, focusing on how inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and economic uncertainty affect Sharia-based rights such as dowry, inheritance, debt, and contractual obligations.
Justice Adejumo noted that conference aims to deepen judges’ understanding of Islamic financial jurisprudence in a modern economy, equip them with analytical tools for fair and consistent decision-making, and develop practical solutions to emerging monetary challenges.
In his keynote address, the Former Director of Centre, Prof. Muh'd Bello Usman emphasized that justice requires giving trust and responsibilities to those who are rightfully deserving.
He stressed that decisions, especially in public office or sensitive positions, must prioritize merit and qualification above all else.
Prof. Usman emphasized that adherence to meritocratic principles is essential to achieving a just, equitable, and well-functioning society.
The theme of the conference is Shari'ah Justice in Contemporary Economic Realities: The effect of money Value and exchange rates on legal rights.
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The two-day conference draws participants from across Nigeria.COV/ Ibrahim Suleiman
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