SaharaReporters learnt that the current situation has turned the lower bench into a symbol of institutional neglect, even as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) begins yet another indefinite strike.
The Kogi State’s judiciary is sinking deeper into a crisis of dignity and structural decay as fresh revelations show that magistrates — the backbone of the state’s criminal justice system — now operate in conditions described by insiders as embarrassing, dehumanising, and dangerous.
SaharaReporters learnt that the current situation has turned the lower bench into a symbol of institutional neglect, even as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) begins yet another indefinite strike.
Multiple sources told SaharaReporters that many magistrates now routinely appear in court dressed in worn-out shoes, faded second-hand suits, and patched shirts —clothing that starkly contrasts with the dignity associated with their offices.
Also, several officers struggle to meet basic daily needs, including regular meals.
With no official vehicles ever provided to magistrates in Kogi, many are forced to commute to court on commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
In some cases, they ride alongside the very defendants, convicts, and criminal suspects whose cases they are expected to adjudicate.
According a source, "Housing conditions are reportedly dire, with many magistrates living in rented apartments where constant pressure from landlords and co-tenants compounds their daily humiliation. Financial strains extend to their families, with magistrates struggling to enroll children in quality schools due to inadequate remuneration."
Sources added that in some households, spouses have taken to mocking magistrates, and tensions sometimes escalate into domestic disputes due to frustration over meager monthly earnings.
Judicial workers note that while commissioners, special advisers, and political loyalists frequently receive new official vehicles and generous allowances, magistrates must rely on commercial transport and personal resources to perform sensitive duties.
A senior judicial officer, who requested anonymity out of fear of victimisation, questioned the logic behind the state’s priorities.
“How can the society respect magistrates who are treated as afterthoughts?” one senior judicial officer asked on condition of anonymity.”
Critics point to years of neglect under former Governor Yahaya Bello and say the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo is yet to demonstrate any clear commitment to reversing the decline — despite significant annual budgetary allocations to the judiciary.
Civil society organisations and legal advocacy groups are warning that the rot will soon cripple access to justice in the state entirely.
They are calling for urgent reforms, including payment of outstanding entitlements, provision of transport and housing, and a complete overhaul of magistrates’ welfare packages.
Meanwhile, the situation worsened this week as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kogi State branch, announced an indefinite strike beginning Thursday, December 4, 2025.
In a statement signed by Chairman Comrade Emmanuel N. Waniko and Secretary Comrade Sule Suberu, the union accused the state government of reneging on its promise to pay October 2024 salary arrears and the 2025 leave bonus.
JUSUN said the last strike was suspended based on an assurance conveyed through the Heads of Courts, but the government allegedly failed to honour its commitment.
The statement read, "You will recall that the last strike was suspended before its commencement as a result of the purported approval by the Governor which was communicated to us through the Heads of Courts, its rather unfortunate that the Governor's promise of payment could not be fulfilled even as we have waited patently to see its fulfillment.
"The Union wishes to express our disappointment in that regards and has directed as follows:That effective from Thursday 4th December, 2025 all staff of Kogi State Judiciary should proceed on an indefinite strike.
"That no staff should be seen engaging in any official functions during this period until further notice.
"That the payment of October, 2024 Arrears and 2025 Leave Bonus must be paid before resumption.The Union once again appreciate your continued support throughout the struggle."