Justice Under Siege: The Alarming Decay of Kano's Shari'a Courts and the Urgent Call for Government Intervention.

By Aminu Bala Madobi | 09072026

Justice should never be delivered beneath leaking roofs, inside crumbling courtrooms or within buildings scarred by cracked walls and decades of neglect. Yet, this is the sobering reality in several Shari’a courts across Kano State, where deteriorating infrastructure now threatens the dignity, efficiency and public confidence in the administration of justice. Courts are sacred institutions where citizens seek fairness and hope, not places that reflect abandonment and decay.

Leaking roofs, aging courtrooms, cracked walls and inadequate facilities should never define places where justice is dispensed.

As Kano continues to strengthen its judicial system, many believe the time has come to give some Shari’a Courts the facelift they deserve.

Across Kano State, several Shari’a Courts are said to be operating in buildings that have suffered years of wear and tear. While some courts have benefited from renovation projects, others are still reported to be struggling with outdated infrastructure that falls short of the standard expected of institutions responsible for administering justice.
Residents and court users say such conditions deserve urgent attention.

During an exclusive investigation and assessment tour of several Shari’a courts across Kano State, Alfijir Media Service was astonished by the conditions we encountered and the realities we uncovered. What we saw on the ground paints a deeply concerning picture of deteriorating infrastructure, challenging working conditions, and an urgent need for intervention to restore these courts to the standard expected of institutions entrusted with dispensing justice.

Among the courts frequently mentioned are the Upper Shari’a Court, Gani in Sumaila Local Government, and Upper Shari’a Court, Madobi.

Public reports and state budget documents have also identified some of these courts for renovation, rehabilitation or reconstruction, reflecting official recognition that infrastructure upgrades are needed.

Despite the commitment of judges, court staff and other judicial officers who continue to discharge their responsibilities diligently, the physical condition of some court buildings paints a different picture. Poor office accommodation, aging structures, inadequate waiting areas and limited facilities can affect the comfort of litigants, lawyers and judicial personnel, while also diminishing public confidence in the justice system.

It is encouraging that the Kano State Government has already made provisions in recent budgets for the renovation of Shari’a Courts, including Kofar Kudu and Yankaba, as well as the reconstruction of Mekalwa Shari’a Court and the construction of additional courts across the state. These initiatives demonstrate that improving judicial infrastructure is already on the government’s agenda.

Stakeholders, however, are calling for the implementation of these projects to be accelerated and expanded so that other courts, particularly those in rural communities, are not left behind. Equal access to decent judicial infrastructure is essential for ensuring that justice is delivered efficiently and with dignity in every part of Kano State.

The time is ripe for a comprehensive upgrade of Kano’s Shari’a Courts. Investing in these institutions is an investment in justice, the rule of law and the confidence of millions of citizens who rely on them every day. A modern judiciary deserves modern facilities, and Kano has a valuable opportunity to ensure that every Shari’a Court reflects the dignity, fairness and integrity of the justice it is meant to uphold.

Reference to the field investigative tour to various Shari’a Courts across the state, Our correspondents learnt and uncovered a troubling reality that deserves urgent public attention. Beyond the courtroom proceedings lies a silent crisis—court buildings battling leaking roofs, cracked walls, collapsing ceilings, broken windows and worn-out furniture that have endured years of neglect. In some locations, court officials, litigants and lawyers carry on with proceedings under conditions that fall far below the standard expected of institutions entrusted with dispensing justice. These are not merely aging structures; they are visible reminders of infrastructure that has struggled to keep pace with the critical role the judiciary plays in society.

The conditions we witnessed raise important questions about the environment in which justice is administered. A justice system is judged not only by the quality of its rulings but also by the dignity of the institutions that house it. Kano State has recorded remarkable investments in roads, schools, healthcare and other public infrastructure. It is now time for similar attention to be directed toward the Shari’a court system.

Renovating dilapidated court buildings, equipping them with modern facilities and creating a safe, functional environment for judges, court staff and litigants would reinforce public confidence and demonstrate that justice remains a priority. The evidence from our investigation points to one clear conclusion: the time has come for decisive government intervention before further deterioration overshadows the noble mission of these courts.

The Kano State Government has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to improving public institutions, making this an opportune moment to extend the same vision to the judiciary. Renovating and modernising aging Shari’a courts with decent courtrooms, functional offices, reliable electricity, clean water and adequate facilities would not only uplift the morale of judicial officers but also restore public trust in the justice system. A government that is passionate about justice must ensure that the very temples of justice mirror the fairness, dignity and respect they are meant to uphold.