Court proceedings in magistrate courts across Cross River State may be grounded following the commencement of an indefinite strike by magistrates over unresolved welfare and service-condition issues. 3 dated February 9, 2026, issued by the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State chapter, directing its members to withdraw their services with immediate effect. The bulletin, signed by the association’s Chairman, His Worship Godwin O. Onah, and Secretary, Solomon O. Abuo, instructed magistrates to abstain from all official duties, including court sittings, until further notice. MAN said the strike followed the state government’s failure to address an eight-point demand submitted after a general meeting held on November 5, 2024. According to MAN, its most recent appeal was contained in a letter dated February 2, 2026, but the state government failed to respond.

Source: The Guardian February 10, 2026 02:55 UTC