Otti to Flag Off Aba, Umuahia Court Complexes in November

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to flag off the construction of ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia in November 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen judicial infrastructure and improve justice delivery in the state.

Otti made the announcement on Tuesday, October 20, while speaking at the thanksgiving service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year of the Abia State Judiciary at the Queen Elizabeth Chapel, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

According to the governor, each of the proposed complexes will feature an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,000 people.

He also announced plans to commission 10 additional court halls following the current legal year programme, with five more expected to be commissioned before the end of 2026 and the remaining facilities early next year.

Otti said his administration was committed to providing judicial officers with a conducive working environment, noting that improved infrastructure and the digitisation of court processes were important to efficient justice delivery.

He reaffirmed his administration’s support for the judiciary while emphasising the need to preserve its constitutional independence.

“The judiciary is a very important arm of government. There is no way the Executive or the Legislature can work without the judiciary. But then, the lines are also very clear,” the governor said, assuring judicial officers that his administration would respect those boundaries.

The governor also disclosed that the state government had terminated the contract for the Ukwa East courthouse because of the contractor’s poor performance. He said the contract would be re-awarded to another contractor.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, commended the state government for its cooperation with the judiciary.

She disclosed that solar power systems had been installed at the High Courts in Umuahia and Aba to support court operations.

Abai also noted that Otti signed three laws on October 19: the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2026; the Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026; and the Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026.

She urged legal practitioners to protect the integrity of the judiciary and continue working to uphold the rule of law.

The thanksgiving service was attended by judges, magistrates, members of the Bar, state government officials and other judicial personnel.