The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, on Tuesday revealed that courts in the state generated N87 million in 2024.

He also disclosed that 1,941 criminal cases were registered, while 910 were disposed of across various courts in the same year, leaving 1,031 pending cases.

Speaking at the special court session marking the 2024/2025 legal year and introducing newly appointed High Court judges to the Bench, the Bar, and the public in Ilorin, Adebara stated that the judiciary in the state had continued to strengthen its capacity to serve the public.

He expressed optimism about future developments that will further enhance justice delivery in the state.

He said, “The total revenue generated from fines and fees in all Kwara courts amounted to over N87 million for the past legal year.”

The Chief Judge, however, urged the state government to provide vehicles for the remaining eight High Court judges, as well as allocate official quarters for the Chief Judge and other High Court judges yet to be accommodated.

He also sought land allocation at subsidized rates for magistrates and area court judges to build personal accommodations, among other requests.

Also speaking, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said that the welfare of the judiciary remains a top priority of his administration, promising to continue exploring ways to improve and strengthen this critical branch of government.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, expressed appreciation to the state judiciary for their dedication to ensuring the effective and efficient administration of justice, encouraging them to continue their work and maintain public trust.

He also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed judges on their well-deserved appointments, stating that, in the last five years of his administration, he has appointed 11 High Court Judges and administered the Oath of Office to the current Chief Judge and the Grand Khadi.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, Sulyman Kosemani, called for urgent judicial reforms and stronger adherence to the rule of law as the state marked the commencement of the 2025 legal year.

The NBA Chairman highlighted challenges such as delayed court proceedings and inadequate remuneration for young lawyers, stressing the importance of structural reforms to enhance efficiency in the judiciary.

The highlight of the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year in Kwara State was the introduction of six newly appointed High Court Judges to the Bench, the Bar, and the public.