In a profession dominated by men, some female legal minds are steadily reshaping the justice landscape in Nigeria. OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL profiles some of the trailblazing female Attorneys General driving change across the country
Sylvia Ifemeje
Professor Sylvia Ifemeje is not just among the few women holding the office of Attorney General in Nigeria; she is a pioneering figure redefining justice delivery through innovation and gender-focused advocacy in Anambra State.
A distinguished academic and legal reformer, Ifemeje began her legal career at Ogo Chambers in Awka, where she practiced from 1993 to 2000. Her passion for scholarship led her to join the Faculty of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, also in Anambra State. Over the years, she rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Professor of Law and later making history as the first female Dean of the Faculty in 2018.
Specialising in family law and the law of evidence, Prof Ifemeje has authored over 60 scholarly publications, with a strong focus on gender rights and human rights. Her academic work and public advocacy have consistently spotlighted the need for a legal system that protects and empowers women.
Since her appointment as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Anambra State, Ifemeje has ushered in a new era of reform. She spearheaded the digitisation of the justice system, making Anambra the first state in Nigeria to achieve full end-to-end automation across its 31 high courts. This monumental feat has drastically reduced delays, improved access, and set a national benchmark for digital justice administration.
Among her other transformative initiatives are the introduction of virtual hearing facilities in correctional centres and high courts, deployment of laptops to all judges, and renovation of neglected ministry outstations. She also facilitated the establishment of online law reporting and digital platforms for interdepartmental communication, enhancing operational efficiency.
In her commitment to swift justice for survivors of abuse, Ifemeje played a critical role in setting up special courts for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases. Her leadership has positioned Anambra as a forward-thinking state on gender-responsive justice.
Beyond state borders, she has fostered international collaboration. Working with the International Commission on Missing Persons in The Hague, she has championed efforts to address the issue of missing persons through data collection and civil society engagement.
Born 1967 in Ozubulu, Anambra State, her formative years were spent in Delta State and later at Abadina College, University of Ibadan. She earned her law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. Her academic pursuits continued at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where she obtained her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Law.
In a past interview with Sunday PUNCH, she recalled how her journey into law was inspired early on, “Right from childhood, I had always admired female lawyers and I wanted to be like them. My mother also served as an inspiration to me… She told me that female lawyers are prominent people and well-to-do in society. She then bought many books for me and encouraged me to study hard. That paid off—I got admitted to study Law in 1983.”
Prof. Ifemeje is also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She credits her ability to balance family and public service to divine grace and disciplined time management. Her journey remains a source of inspiration to young women, proving that with dedication and purpose, women can excel at the highest levels of governance.
Fadila Dikko
Barrister Fadila Dikko stands out as a dynamic and trailblazing figure in Nigeria’s legal and public service spheres. As the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Katsina State, she has become a symbol of dedication and reform.
Born in 1985 in Birchi, Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Fadila’s ascent from humble beginnings to the highest echelons of the state’s legal administration showcases her dedication to justice and public service.
She began her academic pursuit of the law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree. She later returned to the same institution for a Master’s degree in Public Law. Her passion for knowledge remains undimmed, as she pursues a PhD in Law at Bayero University, Kano.
Fadila’s legal career commenced in 2010 as a legal assistant to the Chief Judge of High Court 7 in Katsina State. That foundational experience exposed her to the workings of the judiciary and sharpened her legal insight. Her trajectory within the Katsina State judiciary was marked by steady progression. She served as Assistant Chief Registrar of the Katsina Multi-Door Courthouse, where she promoted alternative dispute resolution methods to increase access to justice.
Her competence propelled her through the judicial ranks—from Magistrate Grade I to Senior Magistrate Grade II—ultimately serving as Chief Magistrate. In these capacities, she handled numerous cases with fairness and professionalism, earning widespread respect for her clarity of judgement.
In recognition of her capacity and accomplishments, Governor Dikko Radda appointed her Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in August 2023. Her appointment marked a significant stride in the inclusion of women in top-tier governance in the state.
Since taking office, Fadila has prioritised justice sector reform. She has introduced policies to fast-track legal processes, reduce case backlogs, and ensure that justice is more inclusive and efficient. Her leadership has fostered collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and civil society organisations, signalling a more open and participatory approach to governance.
Beyond her courtroom and cabinet roles, Fadila continues to build her professional credentials. She holds certifications in Special Investigation and Prosecution, and has completed judicial refresher courses at the National Judicial Institute. She has also actively participated in workshops tackling societal issues, including those organised by the Women Environmental Program on preventing extreme violence.
Her professional achievements are matched by her devotion to family. A wife and mother, Fadila often attributes her ability to navigate a demanding career to the steadfast support of her family and her deep faith.
Hauwa Abubakar
Hauwa Abubakar stands as a formidable figure in Nigeria’s legal landscape, known for her commitment to justice reform and public service.
Born on June 2, 1977, in Bazamri village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, Hauwa’s academic journey laid the foundation for an impactful legal career. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Maiduguri in 2004 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005. Driven by a passion for knowledge, she pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial and Labour Relations from the same university in 2010. She later obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 2015. During her stay in the UK, she gained practical legal experience as a legal assistant at Genesis Law Firm, Birmingham.
Her professional journey began at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria, where she served as a legal assistant between 2006 and 2007. She later joined Dandi Akurunwa and Company, offering litigation support and legal advocacy services from 2007 to 2008.
Hauwa’s transition into public service came to the fore in 2020, when she was appointed Special Adviser on Legal Affairs to Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum. Her outstanding performance in that role earned her elevation to the position of Acting Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in 2022. Since assuming office, she has spearheaded critical reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the state’s legal system.
Notably, in November 2024, she led a delegation to Lagos State to understudy its justice delivery system—an initiative aimed at adopting best practices and fostering inter-state collaboration. Her leadership has prioritised access to justice, institutional strengthening, and legislative innovation.
Beyond her administrative portfolio, Hauwa has been a leading voice in the fight against gender-based violence. She continues to advocate for collaborative action to protect vulnerable groups, pushing for policy reforms that address the root causes of societal injustices.
In March 2025, Governor Zulum appointed her chairperson of the committee on combating social vices in Maiduguri, underscoring her growing influence in policy circles.
A well-respected member of the legal community, Hauwa holds memberships in the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the International Bar Association, the Institute of Consulting and Management (UK), the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.
Outside the courtroom and boardrooms, she is known for her elegance and media-savviness. Her active presence on social media—particularly Facebook—provides the public with regular updates on her initiatives and engagements.
Hauwa is married to Abubakar Isa, a renowned businessman and engineer, and they are blessed with four children.
