NBA honours Kano attorney general, Abdulkarim Maude, celebrates leadership, reforms

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, hosted a grand reception and award presentation in honour of the newly appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN.

The event, held at a Chinese Restaurant on Sunday, drew a large gathering of senior legal practitioners, judges, magistrates, and court registrars to celebrate Maude’s recent appointment by the state governor.

SolaceBase reports that as part of the event, the branch presented an Award of Recognition to the Attorney General in appreciation of his contributions to justice and good governance.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the NBA Ungogo Branch, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Gwadabe, said Maude’s appointment “is not only a recognition of merit but also a source of pride for the entire branch.”

He described the honouree as “a disciplined professional whose dedication and integrity continue to inspire young lawyers.”

Gwadabe urged members to celebrate the moment in the spirit of unity and friendship, describing the event as “a milestone in the history of the Ungogo Branch.”

Reading the citation, Barrister Nazir Adamu hailed Maude as “a man of intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the legal profession.”

He traced Maude’s academic and professional journey from his early education in Kano to his rise in the legal profession, highlighting his remarkable record as a private practitioner, public servant, and mentor to young lawyers.

Read Also:NBA decries conflicting court judgments

The citation also noted Maude’s experience in complex litigation, corporate practice, and public law, as well as his contributions to prison decongestion, access to justice, and legal reforms.

He further recalled his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his appointment as the chief law officer of Kano State, describing these as “deserving honour reflecting his dedication and excellence.”

Responding after receiving the award, Maude expressed profound gratitude to the NBA Ungogo Branch and all dignitaries present.

He said the recognition was “not merely a celebration, but a reminder of our collective duty as legal practitioners to uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law.”

He explained that under the current administration, justice sector reform remains a top priority in the state.

“From my first days in office, I embarked on visits to custodial centres across the state,” Maude said, adding that, “and I discovered numerous cases of prolonged detention, with some inmates held for five to ten years without trial or legal advice.”

He disclosed that these findings prompted the creation of an Urgent Response Committee on Human Rights Violations and Prolonged Detention of Inmates, tasked with identifying, reviewing, and resolving cases of prolonged detention.

The Attorney General also announced plans to digitalize the Ministry of Justice through the procurement of 100 laptops for state counsel, installation of internet facilities, and access to online legal resources, including the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports.

He emphasized that gender inclusiveness would be fully observed under his leadership, noting that women have been appointed to head key committees within the ministry.

“I appear in court almost every week because advocacy remains my passion,” Maude said, pledging to make the Kano State Ministry of Justice “a model of transparency, efficiency, and professionalism.”