Taraba State has commenced the electronic filing of criminal cases in its High Courts following the launch of a digital portal powered by the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS).
The development, announced on Monday, signals a significant shift from manual court processes to technology-driven case management, aimed at improving efficiency and access to justice across the state.
Governor Says Digital Justice Reform Is a Major Breakthrough
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Timothy Kataps, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas described the launch as a landmark achievement in the state’s governance and justice reform agenda.
According to the governor, the initiative reflects the administration’s determination to strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law, and deploy technology to enhance public service delivery.
He praised the Taraba State Judiciary for embracing innovation and positioning the justice system for greater efficiency and accountability.
State Government Commits to Sustaining Judiciary Modernisation
Governor Kefas reaffirmed that the state government would continue to back judicial reforms with the necessary infrastructure, funding, and institutional support.
He noted that digital tools are essential to delivering justice that is timely, transparent, and fair, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the new system.
How the NCMS Portal Will Transform Court Administration
The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, explained that the e-filing platform allows for the electronic submission of originating processes and subsequent criminal applications.
According to him, the system is expected to:
- Enable seamless case tracking from filing to final judgment
- Cut down delays caused by manual registry workflows
- Improve the security and preservation of court records
- Support better case scheduling and time management for judges
Digital Platform Designed to Assist Judges, Not Replace Them
Justice Agya emphasised that the NCMS portal is intended to support judicial work, not substitute judicial discretion or decision-making.
He explained that by automating administrative processes, the platform ensures that judges can focus on substantive justice without procedural bottlenecks slowing down court proceedings.
Strengthening Access to Justice Through Technology
With the launch of the criminal case e-filing system, Taraba State joins a growing list of Nigerian states adopting digital justice solutions to modernise court operations.
The initiative is expected to benefit lawyers, prosecutors, litigants, and judicial officers by improving transparency, reducing delays, and enhancing confidence in the state’s criminal justice system.
