The Bauchi State High Court has introduced family courts to protect children’s rights in line with the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023.
Mrs Amina Garuba, Chief Magistrate in the state, disclosed this in Bauchi in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
Garuba is the judge of Family Court 1 at the Magistrates’ Court level.
She said the courts had the mandate to adjudicate on issues relating to adoption, fostering, custody and emergency cases, among others.
Garuba said some cases could be referred to Sharia Courts for onwards hearing, where necessary.
“One High Court and one Magistrates’ Court have been given the mandate to hear all issues relating to children.
“The courts are to protect children, whether they are in conflict with the law or otherwise,” she said.
The Chief Magistrate said the judges would undergo training in behavioural sciences to enable them to better understand children’s attitudes and behaviour.
She added that the family courts were also mandated to ensure that children and other clients were protected from public exposure to prevent discrimination and safeguard their future development.
Garuba said the courts would also handle criminal cases involving children.