Cross River State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, has ordered the transfer of all pending criminal cases originating from Etung Local Government Area from courts in Ikom to the Etung Chief Magistrate’s Court, Effraya.
Justice Ikpeme also directed that all new criminal matters arising from Etung be filed at Effraya, irrespective of the distance involved.
Contained in Chief Registrar’s Circular No. 7-2026, dated June 29, 2026, the directive was signed by the Chief Registrar, Iquo B. Ekanem, Esq.
It followed a complaint brought before the Chief Judge by the Legal Adviser of Etung Local Government Council, Daniel Enage Mgbe, Esq., in a letter dated June 18, 2026.
According to the circular, prosecuting agencies in Ikom had “consistently” filed criminal complaints arising from Etung in Ikom “instead of Effraya,” citing distance and convenience.
Justice Ikpeme consequently directed that “all matters emanating from Etung must be filed at Effraya irrespective of distance,” while matters originating from Ikom should remain in Ikom.
The directive is in line with Section 92(1) of the Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2016.
All Etung matters currently pending in Ikom courts are to be transferred to Etung forthwith, while subsequent cases from the area must be filed at Effraya.
According to the circular, the arrangement is intended “to keep Magistrate’s Court in Etung busy and prevent redundancy.”
For effective implementation, the Administrative Magistrate was mandated to ensure compliance with the directive and monitor the handling of affected cases.
Judicial officers, police authorities, prosecuting agencies and staff within the affected jurisdictions were consequently directed to take note and comply with the new filing arrangement.
The directive places Etung criminal cases firmly within the appropriate judicial division, while giving the Effraya Magistrate’s Court a clearer and more active role in administering justice in the area.
By Kingsley Agim
