The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, has revealed that a total of 1,941 criminal cases were registered and 910 cases disposed of across various courts in the state over the past year.

He noted that there are currently 1,031 pending cases. Speaking at a special court session to mark the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year and to introduce newly appointed High Court judges to the Bench, the Bar, and the public in Ilorin on Tuesday, Justice Adebara highlighted the judiciary's ongoing efforts to enhance its capacity to serve the people of Kwara State.

The Chief Judge expressed optimism regarding future advancements that will further improve justice delivery in the state. He also disclosed that the total revenue generated from fines and fees across all Kwara courts amounted to over ?87 million during the previous legal year.

The State Chief Justice, however, called on the state government to consider provision of vehicles for the remaining eight High Court judges and allocation of official quarters for the Chief Judge and other High Court judges yet to be accommodated, as well as land allocation at subsidized rates for magistrates and area court judges to build personal accommodations, among others.

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

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Elder Kayode Alabi, expressed his appreciation to the State Judiciary for their dedication to ensuring effective and efficient administration of justice, encouraging them to continue the work and maintain the public trust.

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

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ilorin Branch, Sulyman Muhammed Kosemani, called for urgent judicial reforms and stronger adherence to the rule of law as it 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.

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