The Kogi State Judiciary on Thursday honoured late retired Hon. Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta, former Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State and pioneer President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, with a valedictory court session held at the judiciary headquarters in Lokoja.
The solemn session formed part of the burial activities for the revered jurist, who died on March 7, 2026, at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
The proceedings were presided over by the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, and witnessed the attendance of judges, kadis, senior lawyers, members of the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
At the session, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Muizudeen Yoonus Abdullah SAN, filed a motion seeking the release of the remains of the late jurist to his family for burial.
The application, marked suit number HCL/40M/2026 and dated May 12, 2026, was supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit and written address, while the casket containing the remains of Justice Otta was tendered as Exhibit A.
The motion was moved by the Solicitor-General of the state, Sani Alhassan Esq., who represented the Attorney-General alongside directors and deputy directors from the Ministry of Justice.
In his submission, the Attorney-General described the late Justice Otta as a legal luminary whose death was a huge loss to Kogi State and Nigeria. He praised the deceased for his integrity, dedication, and exemplary service to the judiciary.
Ruling on the application, the Chief Judge granted the request for the release of the body to the family for burial.
Justice Majebi paid glowing tribute to the late jurist, recalling that Justice Otta was born on June 11 in Mopa-Amuro Local Government Area of Kogi State and retired from the judiciary on June 11, 2011, after years of meritorious service.
The Chief Judge described him as a mentor whose guidance greatly influenced his professional growth, recalling his early years as a state counsel under the late jurist.
Justice Majebi also read a tribute from the pioneer Chief Judge of Kogi State and former Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Umaru Ali Eri (Rtd), who described Justice Otta as an exemplary figure whose integrity and commitment to justice set high standards for the judiciary in Kogi State.
Former Attorney-General of the state, Hon. Ibrahim Sani SAN, speaking on behalf of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, said the late jurist’s contributions to the legal profession and the nation would remain indelible.
Another senior lawyer, Hon. Aliyu Saiki SAN, extolled Justice Otta’s fairness, neutrality, and uprightness, describing his death as a major loss to Kogi State and the country.
Saiki recalled first meeting the deceased in 1980 when both Justice Otta and late Justice Nasiru Ajanah were appointed judges in the old Kwara State.
He noted that Justice Otta discharged his duties conscientiously and remained difficult for lawyers to predict because of his firm commitment to justice and fairness.
The Nigerian Bar Association, represented by the Chairman of the Confluence Bar, Lokoja, Sumaila Abbas Esq., also paid tribute to the late jurist, describing him as a judge of exceptional character and a devoted Christian.
Abbas recounted how Justice Otta’s fair judgment in a family property dispute preserved his family inheritance and strengthened his admiration for the late judge’s integrity.
The valedictory session attracted serving and retired judicial officers, legal practitioners, government officials, family members, sympathisers, and well-wishers from within and outside Kogi State.
Among dignitaries present were retired Court of Appeal Justices Saidu Tanko Hussaini JCA and Rukayat Oremeyi Ayoola JCA, former Chief Judges of Kogi State including Hon. Justices Henry Adebola Olusiyi, Sunday Omeiza Otu, and Richard Olorunju Olorunfemi, as well as former Grand Kadi, Hon. Kadi Zakariya Idakwoji Muhammed (Rtd).
Other attendees included retired judges of the High Court and Customary Court of Appeal, members of the NBA across the four branches in Kogi State, top government officials, judiciary staff, and associates of the deceased.
The ceremony ended with a procession by serving judges who paid their final respects to the late Justice Otta as the court session came to a close.
