# Bayelsa State Judiciary

The Judiciary of Bayelsa State is a key branch of the Bayelsa State Government, responsible for interpreting and applying the state's laws, as well as resolving legal disputes and controversies. It plays a vital role in administering justice in the state. The judicial branch exercises this responsibility by hearing and ruling on a wide range of legal cases. The Judiciary is overseen by the Judicial Service Commission, which manages appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions within the judiciary.

## History

The Bayelsa State Judiciary was established in 1996 following the creation of the state. Initially, the judiciary began with six High Court Judges, including;
* Late Hon. Justice K. D. Ungbuku, who served as the Chief Judge of Rivers State,
* Hon. Justice F. F. Tabai
* Hate Hon. Justice K. St. Sagbe
* Late Hon. Justice F. K. C. Peters-Amain
* Hon. Justice S. S. Alagoa,
* Late Hon. Justice E. J. Igoniwari.
The first Chief Registrar, L. M. Boufini Esq., had previously held the same position in the Rivers State Judiciary.
At the time of its establishment, the Bayelsa Judiciary also included eight Magistrates who were transferred from Rivers State:
* Margaret I. Akpomiemie Esq.
* Kate Abiri Esq.
* D. A. Ayah Esq.
* Timi Cocodia Esq.
* I. Eradiri Esq.
* P. A. O. Eduoyemiekemo Esq.
* Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa Esq.
* David Alagoa Esq.
The judiciary initially consisted of two divisions: the Brass division, led by Hon. Justice E. J. Igoniwari, and the Yenagoa division, headed by Hon. Justice F. F. Tabai. In 1997, a third division, the Sagbama division, was created.
On July 10, 2001, the judiciary expanded with the creation of five additional divisions: Nembe, Ogbia, Oporoma, Amassoma, Kaiama, and Ekeremor. Several new places of session were designated for these divisions:
* Nembe Judicial Division:
Nembe Ogbolomabiri and Nembe Bassambiri
* Ogbia Judicial Division:
Ogbia Town, Oloibiri, Anyama
* Amassoma Judicial Division:
Amassoma and Otuan
* Kaiama Judicial Division:
Kaiama, Odi, Sabagreia
* Ekeremor Judicial Division:
Ekeremor and Aleibiri
At the time of its creation, Bayelsa State had three magisterial districts: Brass, Yenagoa, and Sagbama, with the following places of session:
* Brass:
Nembe, Oloibiri, and Twon-Brass
* Yenagoa:
Kolo, Oporoma, Peremabiri, Olugbobiri, and Kaiama
* Sagbama:
Ekeremor
In the 27 years since its formation, 10 additional magisterial districts have been established, bringing the total to 13. These include districts in Kaiama, Ekeremor, Okolobiri, Kolo, Okordia/Zarama/Biseni, Nembe, Oporoma, Otuedu, Toru-Orua, and Aleibiri.
When Bayelsa was created, there were eight customary court areas: Akassa, Brass, Ekowe, Oloibiri, Onopa, Sagbama, Kaiama, and Ekeremor. Over time, additional customary court areas were formed in Emeyal, Anyama, Okodia/Zarama/Biseni, Amassoma, and Okolobiri.
The Bayelsa Judiciary began with approximately 259 judicial and non-judicial staff who were transferred from Rivers State. Since then, about 31 judges have been appointed to the High Court and Customary Court of Appeal, with several advancing to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Additionally, approximately 40 Magistrates have been appointed, some of whom have moved on to serve as judges at the federal level. A significant milestone in the development of the judiciary came in September 2007, with the approval for the creation of the Bayelsa State Customary Court of Appeal.

## Governance

The Judiciary is overseen by the Bayelsa State Judicial Service Commission, which manages appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions within the judiciary.
The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, currently Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye as of 2024, holds the highest position within the state’s judiciary. As the most senior judge, she presides over the High Court of Justice, overseeing its functions and ensuring the proper administration of justice in the state. The Chief Judge is responsible for interpreting and applying the law and has significant influence over the direction of legal proceedings and judicial decisions within Bayelsa.
In addition to judicial responsibilities, the Chief Judge also plays an important role in ending cases or granting pardons for ongoing cases within the courts of the state, exercising considerable authority in determining the course of certain legal matters. Furthermore, the Chief Judge performs significant ceremonial duties, such as administering the oath of office to the Governor of Bayelsa State at the commencement of their tenure.
The tenure of the Chief Judge is traditionally until the age of sixty, when they may voluntarily retire. However, the Chief Judge is statutorily required to retire at the age of sixty-five, in accordance with the rules governing judicial appointments and service. This retirement age ensures the regular refreshment of the judiciary while maintaining the stability and continuity of the legal system.
Judicial appointments are primarily made by the Governor, based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council and confirmation by the State legislature. Presently, the state judiciary comprises about 9 judicial divisions, 13 magisterial districts, and 13 Customary Court areas. In September 2007, the creation of the Customary Court of Appeal was approved. Additionally, in 2013, thirteen legal practitioners were appointed as Chairmen of the Customary Court.