Hon. Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa was appointed as the Acting Chief Judge of Sokoto State on December 31, 2018, following the retirement of Justice Bello Abbas. His appointment was approved by Governor Aminu Tambuwal, in accordance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
In July 2019, the National Judicial Council recommended his appointment as the substantive Chief Judge of Sokoto State. Since then, Justice Sifawa has been instrumental in implementing reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the state's judiciary.
Under his leadership, the Sokoto State High Court has undergone significant renovations, and new magistrate courts have been established across the state to improve access to justice. In October 2024, he inaugurated the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal to address disputes arising from local government elections, emphasizing the importance of integrity and professionalism among tribunal members.
Justice Sifawa has also been proactive in addressing issues related to prison congestion. In a notable initiative, he facilitated the release of 29 inmates, including 12 minors, from the Sokoto Correctional Center and Remand Home. This effort, supported by EU-UNICEF, aimed to provide rehabilitation and reintegration support to the released individuals.
Beyond his judicial responsibilities, Justice Sifawa has served as the Amirul Hajj (leader of the state delegation) for the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage, demonstrating his commitment to both civic and religious duties.
His tenure as Chief Judge is marked by a dedication to judicial reform, access to justice, and the upholding of ethical standards within the legal system.
A modern HTML template for education, offering intuitive design & essential features for seamless learning experiences.
