The judge says he will not preside over any case that has no police officer.

The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Suleman Dikko, has warned he would shut down any court which operates in the villages but does not have a police station.

The Chief Judge gave the warning in the Wamba Local Government Area, LGA, of the state on Wednesday in continuation of his tour of all courts in the state.

Mr. Dikko said the decision became imperative following complaints by some of the judicial staff in the course of the tour.

“In my court, I will not preside over a case if there is no police officer. The presence of a police officer represents authority,’’ he said.

The Chief Judge said most courts in the rural areas were established because of the pressure by the people of such areas who usually promised to provide office accommodation.

“We received a lot of reports from our staff that some communities are trying to eject them out of their accommodation.

“If we fail to get necessary co-operation, courts in those villages would be shut down temporarily,’’ he said.

Mr. Dikko assured the people of the state of his determination to ensure justice, but appealed for their co-operation and support.

He also visited the palaces of the Aren Eggon and Oriye Ridre where he commended their efforts in settling local disputes and thereby assisted in reducing cases in courts.

The Chief Judge explained that his visit was to seek their support towards enhancing the administration of justice in the state.

The judge also visited courts in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba Local Governments of the State.

During the period, he addressed the workers and inspected facilities at the various courts.

(NAN)