Justice Dije Abdu Aboki: First female chief judge of Kano, striving against all odds

The name Justice Dije Abdu Aboki rings a bell in Kano, especially among legal practitioners. Even as a magistrate, she was known to be an incorruptible, no-nonsense judicial officer.

She broke the jinx on women hardly rising to the pinnacle when on August 7, 2023, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed her as the Chief Judge of Kano State; the first female substantive CJ in the history of the state – since its creation in 1967.

It is a rare occurrence in a conservative society, where women find it difficult to compete with men in terms of seeking positions, elective or otherwise.

Indeed Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar, rose to become the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (2012-2014), but despite spending 10 years as a high court judge in Kano State, she never attained the position of state’s Chief Judge.

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Muktar was the first female chief registrar of the state’s judiciary (before Jigawa State was created) in 1973. She served as a high court judge between 1977 and 1987 before her elevation to the Court of Appeal by the government.

Another female judge, who could have made it to that position was Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmud.

Appointed a judge of the Kano State High Court in 1991, Justice Mahmud made the headlines when she was appointed as the acting Chief Judge of the state in January 2015, by the then Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, but reverted to her position as high court Judge in July – just seven months after. She was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2018.

Rising through the ranks and by dint of hard work and dedication, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki became the acting Chief Judge of Kano State during Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration in March 2023.

She brought her long years of experience in the legal profession to bear in her new role and it was little wonder she was made the first substantive female CJ, five months later.

Justice Dije did not disappoint as she quickly settled down to lead the judiciary. She first set up a performance and evaluation committee headed by a high court judge that will assess magistrates’ performance quarterly. This is in addition to embarking on regular visitations to see for herself, the condition of court buildings and ensure the welfare of staff.

A female lawyer, Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim, extolled the virtues of Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, when she was first named acting chief judge.

Ibrahim said her exceptional qualities included her remarkable integrity, professionalism and passion for justice, which made her a role model for her colleagues and other stakeholders in the justice system.

“Her contributions to the development of the justice system in Kano State and beyond have been significant and earned her the admiration and respect of many.

“As chief judge, I am confident that Justice Dije will continue to make significant contributions to the development of the justice system in Kano State and beyond. She will draw upon her vast experience, knowledge and expertise to deliver outstanding results,” she said.

According to the lawyer, her remarkable integrity, professionalism and unyielding passion for justice will serve as inspiration for her colleagues in the judiciary and other stakeholders in the justice system.

Huwaila said she feels honoured to have witnessed the recognition of such a distinguished and accomplished jurist and her continued success in her new role.

Another lawyer and chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA in Kano, Bilkisu Suleiman, said the association is very proud of Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, as the first female chief judge because of her leadership qualities, hard work and exceptional skills with which, she believes, the CJ will continue to serve with distinction and make invaluable contributions to the legal profession.

She said FIDA is confident that the judiciary under Justice Dije’s leadership will continue to deliver justice, uplift and maintain high standards for legal practitioners.

As former FIDA chairperson herself, Suleiman said the association would be given the needed support to continue to protect and preserve the rights of women and children in society.

Born on July 10, 1964, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki obtained a degree in Law from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1983 and was called to the bar the following year.

She began her legal career as a state counsel in 1985, before her appointment as magistrate and later high court judge in 2006.

She is a member of several associations, including the Magistrate Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).