Taraba State has commenced the electronic filing of criminal cases in its High Courts following the launch of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) e-Filing Portal by Governor Agbu Kefas.
The launch, announced on Monday, enables lawyers and litigants to file originating processes and subsequent applications electronically, marking a significant move toward digitising judicial processes in the state. The initiative is aimed at improving access to justice, strengthening case management, and reducing delays associated with manual court filings.
Speaking at the event through the Secretary to the Government of the State, Timothy Kataps, Governor Kefas described the development as a major milestone for Taraba’s justice system. He said the introduction of the e-filing portal underscored the state government’s commitment to institutional strengthening, the rule of law, and efficient governance.
Kefas commended the Taraba State Judiciary for embracing digital transformation, noting that the NCMS and e-filing platform would modernise court operations, enhance case management, and ensure faster and more effective delivery of justice. He added that technology remains central to achieving a justice system that is swift, fair, and transparent, and pledged continued government support for judicial reforms.
The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, said the portal would allow for improved tracking and monitoring of cases from the point of filing to final determination. According to him, the system would significantly reduce delays linked to manual registry procedures while improving the security, integrity, and accessibility of court records. He added that the platform is designed to support judicial decision-making by streamlining administrative processes without undermining the independence of the courts.
The development comes as Nigeria’s judiciary increasingly adopts digital tools to enhance efficiency and access to justice. Similar e-filing systems are already in use in Federal High Court divisions such as Abuja, with the Lagos Division scheduled to fully transition to electronic filing from June 2025 in line with the National Judicial Council’s Judicial Information Technology Policy.
Under the new system, legal practitioners in Taraba are required to obtain a Legal Mail account, submit affidavits electronically, and comply with updated filing procedures and fee structures.
