The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice has disclosed that it is handling 3,264 pending civil and criminal cases. This update was provided during the 12th edition of the state government's ongoing Ministerial Briefing at Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, Uyo. The briefing aimed to highlight the ministry's scorecard and efforts to strengthen justice delivery in the state.
According to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, the litigation departments are handling 896 pending civil cases, with 96 concluded, and 2,368 pending criminal cases, out of which 843 have been concluded. The ministry's Gender-Based Violence Unit has 340 pending cases involving physical assault, threats to life, rape, child abandonment, emotional abuse, and harmful widowhood practices.
The ministry processed approximately 420 legal instruments and documents, comprising 70 bills, 150 regulations, executive orders, and other instruments, 121 tenancy agreements and leases, 34 memoranda of understanding, and 27 legal opinions and advisories. Additionally, the ministry handled 36 alternative dispute resolution cases and 52 family disputes, 11 of which have been resolved.
The Estate Administration Department managed 77 cases involving deceased persons' estates, beneficiaries' rights, death benefits, and the protection of vulnerable family members. On institutional development, the Attorney-General identified the ongoing construction of a Court of Appeal complex in Uyo as a major intervention aimed at bringing appellate justice closer to residents.
The construction site has been handed over to the contractor, with completion expected before the end of the 2026/2027 legal year. The project follows representations to Governor Umo Eno on the need for an appellate court in the state. The commissioner highlighted the Akwa Ibom State Office of the Public Defender Establishment Law, signed by the governor in July 2026.
Governor Umo Eno assented to 14 bills in one day in July during an expanded executive meeting attended by the Speaker and members of the leadership of the State House of Assembly. The legislation covered governance and accountability, fiscal responsibility, procurement, revenue administration, public sector reforms, security, emergency medical response, infrastructure, economic development, electricity, geographical information, and tourism.
The NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, urged the state government to strengthen negotiations with companies operating in Akwa Ibom to ensure that host communities benefit from employment opportunities, economic activities, and the exploitation of natural resources. The chairman also commended Governor Eno for increasing the students' bursary to ₦200,000 and ₦250,000 for those studying professional courses.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice is handling 3,264 pending civil and criminal cases.
- The ministry has concluded 939 cases across both categories.
- The construction of a Court of Appeal complex in Uyo is underway.
