In 1996, a cadre of distinguished minds on the Bench embarked on the monumental task of founding the judiciary of Bayelsa State. From the ground up, they laid the cornerstone of what would become one of Nigeria’s most respected judicial systems. These trailblazing Judges have cemented their legacy as some of the finest legal minds the nation has ever produced.
Bayelsa State was carved out of the old Rivers State in 1996 by the decree of the late General Sani Abacha, then Head of State of Nigeria. With the creation of the state came the need to establish its judicial arm to uphold justice and maintain the rule of law. This formidable task fell to a group of quintessential Judges from the old Rivers State, who brought their wealth of experience to Bayelsa. Among them were six pioneering High Court Judges: Hon. Justice K.D. Ungbuku, Hon. Justice F.F. Tabai, Hon. Justice K.S. Sagbe, Hon. Justice F.K.C. Peters-Amian, Hon. Justice S.S. Alagoa, and Hon. Justice E.J. Igoniwari.
HON. JUSTICE DAVID KORIPAMO UNGBUKU
David Koripamo Ungbuku (1938-2008) hailed from Sabageria town in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government of Bayelsa State. He began his career as an inspirational pupil teacher, walking the dusty roads of the late 1960s, before becoming a diligent attorney. A graduate of the University of Lagos (1970) and called to Bar in 1971, he was crowned the paramount ruler of Sabageria (Pere I) in 1976 but later renounced his title to follow his faith in 1982. His illustrious career saw him appointed as Chairman of the old Rivers State Civil Service Commission and later as a Judge in 1983. In 1992, he ascended to the position of Chief Judge of old Rivers State and retired as Chief Judge of Bayelsa State in 2003. Justice Ungbuku passed away in Yenagoa in 2008 at the age of 70. Here is the Full biography of David Koripamo Ungbuku
HON. JUSTICE FRANCIS F. TABAI (RTD)
Hon. Justice Francis F. Tabai, although not originally from Bayelsa State, was born in Torugbene, Delta State, in 1942. He pursued his education at the University of Lagos, earning his L.L.B. Hons Degree in 1969 and was called to the Bar in 1970. His judicial career began in 1973 as a Magistrate Grade I at the Rivers State Judiciary. He rose through the ranks, becoming a Judge of the High Court of old Rivers State in 1985 and subsequently a Judge of the High Court of Bayelsa State upon its creation in 1996. Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006, he served until his retirement in 2012.
HON. JUSTICE KESIYE ST. SAGBE
Born in 1926 in the coastal community of Okpoama, Kesiye St. Sagbe was a paragon of humility and erudition. His career saw him rise to Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of old Rivers State in 1983 and later a Judge in 1985. Transferring his service to Bayelsa in 1996, he retired in 2004. HRM Hon. Justice Kesiye St. Sagbe, Okpo XX, passed away in 2007 at the age of 81. Get to know Kesiye St. Sagbe more
HON. JUSTICE (CHIEF) FESTUS KAREKPRE CHRISTOPHER PETERS-AMAIN
Hon. Justice (Chief) Festus Karekpre Christopher Peters-Amain was born on May 23, 1942, into the illustrious family of Elder Christopher Waribo Peter Ebifate Amain and Madam Dorcas Emmah in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His early life was marked by academic excellence and athletic prowess. He commenced his education at the renowned St. Luke’s School in Nembe in 1948, graduating with distinction in 1955. Known for his football skills and dominance in local wrestling, he was a community champion.
His professional journey began in 1956 when he was appointed as a CD teacher by the then Anglican mission and posted to Sangana-Akassa. Pursuing further education, he attended Elementary Teachers College in Okordia-Zarama from 1959 to 1965, earning his Teachers Grade III Certificate. He dedicated himself to shaping young minds at St. Paul’s Okpoama, St. Michael’s School Oloibiri, and County Council School Ologoama.
In his early years, Peters-Amain displayed remarkable leadership as the General Secretary of the Great Amain, Kein, Alagoa, and Koki group of houses. Demonstrating academic brilliance, he excelled in the GCE O/Level Examination in 1964 and passed the Advanced Level in 1966 with flying colors. This paved the way for his employment with the Federal Ministry of Finance and later the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In 1969, he secured admission to the University of Lagos to pursue a degree in Law, obtaining his LLB (Hons) in June 1974 and being called to the Nigerian Bar in June 1977. His career in the Central Bank of Nigeria saw him rise to the position of Manager before voluntarily retiring in 1978 to fully immerse himself in the legal profession.
The year 1979 marked his entry into politics, contesting for a seat in the Rivers State House of Assembly under the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). He won the Brass Constituency I seat, serving as the minority Chief Whip from 1979 to 1983. With the military takeover in 1983, he returned to private legal practice until his appointment as a Judge of the High Court of old Rivers State in August 1989.
Justice Peters-Amain’s judicial career was illustrious, serving in various divisions including Port Harcourt, Isiokpo, Eleme/Okrika, and Ahoada. Following the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, he transferred his services to the newly established judiciary. He was appointed Acting Chief Judge of Bayelsa State in October 2001 and also served as the Arbitration Panel Judge.
Despite unfounded allegations, he voluntarily retired from active judicial service in 2003. Beyond his judicial duties, Peters-Amain was a revered Chief in Nembe, appointed in May 1978. He left a lasting legacy as a respected legal luminary and community leader. Hon. Justice (Chief) Festus Karekpre Christopher Peters-Amain passed away in 2006 at the age of 64, with his final burial rites performed on April 30, 2006.
HON. JUSTICE SIR STANLEY SHENKO ALAGOA JSC (RTD) OFR, LIFE BENCHER
Hon. Justice Sir Stanley Shenko Alagoa, JSC OFR, hailing from Ogbolamabiri Nembe in Bayelsa Region, was born on October 4, 1943. He graduated LL.B. (Hons) from the University of Benin in 1973 and was called to the Benin Bar in October 1974. He began his career in Public Service as a Pupil Region Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt, in July 1975. Rising rapidly through the ranks, he became a Senior Region Counsel by 1978 and served as the first Parliamentary Counsel of the old Rivers Region House of Assembly. After a stint in private practice, he was appointed a High Court Judge in 1990. Upon the creation of Bayelsa Region in 1996, he transferred his services to the new state. Elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench in 2003, he was later appointed to the Supreme Court Bench in 2012. Justice Alagoa is a Knight of the Order of St. Christopher KSC, holds the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic OFR, and is a member of the body of Benchers. He is married with children.
HON. JUSTICE EMMANUEL JOEL IGONIWARI
Justice Emmanuel Joel Igoniwari, a distinguished jurist from Ogbia kingdom, started his career as a pioneer typist staff with the Niger Delta Development Board. By dint of hard work, he achieved his A/Level papers with grade one in 1972 and obtained his Law degree from the University of Lagos in 1976. Called to the Bar in 1977, he further earned his LLM in 1986 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Appointed a Judge of the High Court of old Rivers State in 1991, he later became the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State after the retirement of Justice David Koripamo Ungbuku. Known for initiating massive infrastructure development for the judiciary, he constructed judiciary staff quarters and High/Magistrate Courts in remote areas. Tragically, Justice Igoniwari passed away on May 4, 2007. An Anglican and a polygamist with nine biological children, he left a legacy of service and dedication. See Full Biography
These esteemed Judges, through their dedication and hard work, have left indelible marks on the judiciary of Bayelsa State, setting high standards for future generations. Their contributions continue to resonate, reflecting their commitment to justice and the rule of law.
