By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

Cross River State judiciary has directed the transfer of all pending criminal cases originating from Etung Local Government Area from courts in Ikom to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Effraya, to prevent redundancy at the court.

The directive is contained in Chief Registrar’s Circular No. 7-2026, dated June 29, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar, Iquo B. Ekanem, Esq.

The Chief Judge, Justice Edem Ekong Ikpeme, also directed that all new criminal matters arising from Etung be filed at Effraya, irrespective of distance.

The decision followed a complaint by the Legal Adviser of Etung Local Government Council, Daniel Enage Mgbe, Esq., in a letter dated June 18, 2026.

The circular said the measure was intended “to keep Magistrate’s Court in Etung busy and reduce redundancy.”

It noted that prosecuting agencies in Ikom had “consistently” filed criminal complaints arising from Etung in Ikom, citing distance and convenience.

Justice Ikpeme consequently directed that “all matters emanating from Etung must be filed at Effraya irrespective of distance,” while cases 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.

Accordingly, all Etung matters currently pending in Ikom courts are to be transferred to Effraya forthwith, while subsequent criminal cases from the area must be filed there.

The Administrative Magistrate was directed to ensure compliance and monitor the handling of the affected cases.

Judicial officers, police authorities, prosecuting agencies and staff within the affected jurisdictions were also directed to take note and comply with the new arrangement.