GBV: Shari’a Court Judges in Kano, Kaduna Meet to Strengthen Access to Justice for Survivors
By Hussaina Yakubu
June 14,2025
Over 50 Shari’a Court Judges from Kano and Kaduna States converged in Kaduna on Saturday to deliberate on a newly introduced practice direction aimed at simplifying the administration of justice and enhancing support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in both states.
The Acting Grand Khadi of Kano State, Kadi Mukhtar Muhammad Kunti, explained that the meeting was organized to acquaint Shari’a Judges with the new measures and procedural reforms designed to reduce the burden of proof on survivors.
He noted that the new practice direction, gazetted on February 25, 2025, seeks to complement the existing civil procedures and ensure easier adjudication of GBV cases, especially where incidents occur within homes or in the absence of witnesses.
According to him, the new law applies to all Upper and Shari’a Courts across the state and covers all civil matters.
Kadi Kunti further urged the Kano State Government to domesticate and implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, in line with 35 other states that have adopted the law, to address the rising cases of GBV in Kano.
The one day joint session was organized by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID), Bayero University, Kano, with support from the Ford Foundation.
The event focused on the Islamic perspective on preventing gender based violence.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Disabled Persons in Kano State, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, represented by the Director of Planning, Alhaji Yakubu Muhammad, challenged the Shari’a Judges to rise to the growing challenge of GBV, which continues to violate the human rights of women and children.
“This joint session is a collective testimony to our responsibility to foster an environment where every woman and child can feel safe, respected, and protected,” she said.
She called on the judges to act with compassion, integrity, and unity of purpose to promote justice in the two states.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Human Services in Kaduna State, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, highlighted several interventions already introduced by the state to prevent GBV and support survivors, assuring that adequate measures are in place to address their needs.
The Kaduna State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Terngu Gwar, described the rising cases of GBV in the state as alarming.
He emphasized the commission’s commitment to working with stakeholders to prevent GBV and ensure justice for victims.
He also called on the judiciary to enhance access to justice and adopt survivor-centered approaches in handling such cases.
Earlier, the Director of Partnerships and Communication at dRPC, Hassan Aliyu Karofi, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment, with the support of the Ford Foundation, to continue engaging stakeholders in the judiciary to strengthen the administration of justice
He said they are also determined to reduce cases of gender based violence in Kano and Kaduna States.(NAN)