The Federal High Court (FHC) which was established on April 13, 1973,
is one of the Federal superior Courts of record in Nigeria.
It has coordinate jurisdiction with the High Courts of the States of the Federation, including FCT and is located in Shehu Shagari Way, Central District Abuja.
According to the Federal Government Official Gazette No. 62, Vol. 60 dated Nov. 29, 1973, the court began with five pioneering judges.
They included Justice Jemonu Omoigberai Eboh; Justice Adeitan Ayinde Adediran; Justice Mahmud Babatunde Belgore, Justice Frederick Okwudi Anyaegbunam and Justice Sigismund Olanrewaju Lambo as president of the court.
The court was, however, renamed the “Federal High Court” by Section 228 (1) and 230 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979.
While Justice Lambo was the first president of the then FRC and served between 1973 and 1975, Justice John Tsoho is the 10th and current head of FHC, now known as chief judge (CJ).
Speaking during the celebration of the 50th anniversary, the CJ of the FHC, Justice Tsoho, said the occasion was an opportunity to felicitate with one another, “as we reflect on the milestones achieved this far within the 50 years of the court’s existence.”
He said the initial lofty idea which started in Lagos in 1973 had grew and metamorphosed into FHC whose jurisdiction had increased tremendously over the years.
Tsoho, who commended the efforts of those who championed the enhanced jurisdiction of the court from what it was when it was established, said the enhanced jurisdiction did not just come on a platter of gold.
“It is a product of positive, persistent and consistent efforts by those who believed in what the court could offer,” he said.
The CJ took the audience through a brief history of the court, the giant strides made and its efforts to achieve excellence.
“The FRC was then saddled with handling cases and matters relating only to the revenue of the Federal Government of Nigeria, more particularly customs and excise duties, banking, foreign exchange, taxation of companies, currency and fiscal measures.”
According to him, the court was also conferred with jurisdiction to hear and determine cases and matters arising from the operations of the Companies Decree 1968 as well as enactments relating to copyright, patents and designs, trademarks and merchandise marks and admiralty.
“However, upon the return to civil rule and under the 1979 Constitution, the Federal Revenue Court came to be known and called the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
“Matters hitherto handled by the Federal Revenue Court, thenceforth fell squarely upon the Federal High Court,” he said.
Tsoho stated that the jurisdiction of the court was at different times expanded in 1993 by Decree No. 107, as well as in 1999 by Decree No. 60 of 1999.
“Presently, Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (as amended) prescribes the exclusive jurisdiction of the court,” he added.
He said the court had recorded huge growth and is now a significant pillar in the hierarchy of the Nigerian judiciary.
“It is noteworthy that this court which started in Lagos with one court and five judges, now has 38 judicial divisions with 95 judges.
“Since its inception, the court has recorded huge growth and is now a significant pillar in the hierarchy of the Nigerian judiciary.
“From the pioneer five judges, the court now can appoint a maximum of one hundred judges.
“The court moved to its present headquarters in Abuja in 2010 and now owns court buildings in all the 36 states of Nigeria,” he said.
Tsoho said another most significant and indeed a remarkable achievement was about 95 per cent completed ultra-modern 20-courtroom complex on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to him, the court complex will be made ready for commissioning soon.
He acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of all the chief judges, serving and retired judges, those alive and those that had proceeded to the great beyond.
“What we enjoy today as the premier court was actually voted against by the conference of Chief Justices of Nigeria.
“It is little wonder that the court continues to attract envy and antagonism from various quarters, perhaps due to our unique and expansive jurisdiction.
“I make bold to say however, that the Federal High Court has used these oppositions to spur it to greater height in the judiciary and has become the premier court in Nigeria,” he said.
The CJ said though the court had never at anytime solicited or canvassed for increased jurisdiction, he stated that it was the lawmakers, as representatives of the people, who in their wisdom, heaped jurisdiction on the court.
“Therefore, for us in the Federal High Court, this feature is a reflection of acceptance and commendation of the court’s performance by the Nigerian people.
“For instance, Sections 295 (5) and 84 (14) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022 have foisted exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court in respect of pre-election cases, which hitherto, were entertained by the State High Courts and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
“It is understood that this law was deliberately designed by the political class to cure a vexed mischief.
“Thus, those who have launched sustained scathing criticism about the expansive jurisdiction of this court should deeply reflect on this particular development,” he enjoined.
He said the court had faced difficulties and likewise, welcomed change during the previous 50 years, developing as a pillar of justice in the country.
According to him, the court has had a significant influence on how the law is interpreted; how the legal system is shaped, and how justice is dispensed and perceived.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (L) and Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the court in Abuja
Various chief judges of the court had made series of rules of the court, practice directions and innovations as a guide and to ensure speedy and quality administration of justice in the court.
Justice Tsoho is not left out in this feat.
Tsoho said in the year 2020, when the world was ravaged by the coronavirus, he promptly issued a Practice Directions for the COVID-19 period.
This, he said, was to ensure that the FHC was not shut down during the period.
“Issuance of Practice Directions for the exemption of payment of Default Fees for filing of Court processes during the prolonged JUSUN strike.
“Issuance of Practice Directions on payment of default fees on late filing of fundamental rights enforcement court processes.
He said he released Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Practice Directions in 2020, a Practice Direction on Pre-Election Matters in 2022, a Practice Direction on Tax Appeal Cases and Practice Directions on Trial of Terrorism Cases, 202, among others, to ensure quick dispensation of justice.
The CJ said he equally designated courts for expedited dispensation of matters relating to AMCON, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He said the special task force set up to handle the influx of pre-election matters, in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, was a timely intervention that saved the country from a possible political collapse.
“A special task force has recently been set up to handle the trial of terrorism cases,” he added.
He said from landmark judgments to progressive legal reforms, the court had been at the forefront of legal innovation, setting standards that inspire and guide the legal community.
“The court has evolved from a one specialty court to a world standard court, adjudicating justice on matters constitutionally placed before it.
“We have infused technology into our system of operating and we are still in the process of introducing several other innovations.”
Tsoho said as part of the growth, the court introduced e-filing system, changed the orthodox notice period to electronic display system on all the floors of the court with verbatim reporters, known as stenographers, now deployed and used in the courtrooms.
“The Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 is a fundamental milestone in dispensing justice. We have also established Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre.”
The CJ, who recalled the very first case filed in the precursor court in Lagos in 1973, said presently, 12, 870 cases were disposed of, in the 2022/2023 Legal Year of the court.
He said as against the five judges that pioneered the court, the FHC now had 95 judges, the highest number since its inception, to ease the ever-growing workload of the court.
He restated his desire of taking the number to the maximum limit of 100 judges.
“I therefore urge us that just like Caesar’s wife, we must strive to be beyond suspicion.
“We must dispense justice with integrity and without bias; we must display utmost competence and courage as well as dispose of cases speedily,” he urged brother judges.
An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Yunusa Ibrahim, described the 50 years of FHC in justice delivery as a milestone in the administration of justice.
He said the court had contributed in no small measure to justice delivery through its several judgments and decisions.
Besides, Josephine Ijekhuemen, also a legal practitioner, said the importance of the court in the Nigerian judiciary cannot be over-emphasised.
She said due to its indispensable role, the new Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022, conferred additional jurisdiction on the FHC to hear and determine pre-election complaints.
Ijekhuemen said the court had become a beacon of hope for those seeking justice, a guardian of the constitution, and a defender of the rule of law.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, also commended the judges in their effort at delivering justice.
He said it was, however, disheartening that Nigerians, as a result of the action of some members of the bar, had continued to cast aspersion on the judiciary.
“We have failed in our responsibility in providing direction to the people of this country with respect to the things that the courts do,” he said.
Maikyau, therefore, called on members of the bench to ensure that appropriate punishment is meted out to any erring lawyer culpable of such misconduct.
Speaking on behalf of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr Alex Iziyon, SAN, urged judges of the court not to be afraid to be dynamic.
“I call on you judges to be creative and stand tall to the call of duty. Where reforms are required, do not be afraid to take up innovations that will speed up the dispensation of justice,” Iziyon said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, enjoined the judges to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the ideals of justice, integrity and the rule of law.
“Let us envision a Federal High Court that will continue to be a beacon of excellence, the principles of ideas and a haven for jurisprudential growth,” he said.
Fagbemi, represented b Mr Alkali Tijani-Gazali, SAN, commended the judges of the court for their dedication and commitment to the justice system, while acknowledging the significant challenges faced by them.
According to him, while you are confronted with voluminous workload, your diligence, dedication and unwavering commitment in upholding the law have remained resolute.
On his part, the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, urged them to always deliver justice with the fear of God.
Kaigama gave the advice while delivering his message at the FHC’s 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
Kaigama, who was represented by Rev. Father Christopher Nnubia, the Judicial Vicar of Catholic Church in Abuja, urged the judges to be committed to discharging justice in the face of challenges.
He said it was their responsibility to give hope to the hopeless and strengthen the weak in the society.
“It is your responsibility to make firm the feeble knees.
“And as you do that, you need to do that with the fear of God knowing that at the end of the world, we will give account to the divine judge where we will render account of what we have done,” Kaigama enjoined.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who described the FHC as the largest court in Nigeria, said it was the best of the courts of trial.
“The jurisdiction of the court has kept being expanded. It is the only court that has originating jurisdiction on electoral matters,” he restated.
He said though FHC was not the only federal court, it was, however, the best of the federal courts.
Justice Ariwoola stated this while declaring open the 50th Anniversary Lectures of the court in Abuja.
He advised the judges not to take their appointment for granted, urging them to be hardworking and diligent in justice delivery.
“Anyone that is lucky to be appointed to this court, without mincing words, is indeed very lucky and should not take that for granted.
“I implore you all to please continue to work very hard; work hard and harder and go extra mile each time.
“Do not assume that what then are the gentlemen at the appellate court doing. No, let that (appellate) court affirm your decisions.
“Always write your judgments that the appellate court will have no choice than to affirm your decisions.
“Don’t leave any loophole,” he said.
According to CJN, to be a judge, certainly, is not a child’s play, particularly at your court where you don’t sit as panel; you sit as a lone ranger.
“You sit all alone, you are the lord of the court. Please, always go extra mile even in what you consider a simple application.
“It is your court. You are not there to impress anyone at all. If you need to take a break to consult your note, to consult your books before you rule, no application by counsel is simple.
“Make relevant consultations and come to give your ruling,” he said.
Ariwoola, who said the judges should not feel threatened if lawyers opted to go on appeal, said “an appeal is an entitlement.
“That is what the Appeal Court is there for.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bwari, FCT, has expressed concern over the escalating levels of insecurity in the area council and its surrounding areas.
Mr Paul Daudu, Chairman of the Bwari branch of the NBA (Cradle Bar) made this known on Monday in Abuja.
He said the association was deeply concerned about the escalating levels of insecurity in Bwari and its surrounding areas.
He said it is disheartening to witness the erosion of peace in the area and the constant threat faced by its residents on a daily basis.
“We can no longer sleep with closed eyes even with the council being home to some critical national assets like JAMB, Nigerian Law School Headquarters, Veritas University amongst others”.
“We call upon the relevant law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force to take immediate and decisive actions to restore law and order in the area”.
He said the association remains committed to working together with relevant stakeholders, including the government, traditional leaders, community organizations, and security agencies, to ensure the restoration of peace and security in Bwari.
“Collaborative efforts between the community, the police, and other security agencies are vital in effectively addressing these challenges.
“We will actively participate in initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting lawfulness, and enhancing the security infrastructure within our community.
“We urge them to prioritise the security needs of our community, reinforce their presence, and intensify their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of these criminal acts.
“We implore the government at all levels to increase investments in the security sector, provide necessary resources and logistical support to law enforcement agencies”.
He urged the security agencies to also implement sustainable strategies to combat this menace.
“Incessant insecurity incidents in Bwari Area Council is hampering economic activities of it’s members and the people of the environment.
“The safety and well-being of the residents, including that of our members who reside and practice law in this community, are of paramount importance to us.
“In recent months, there has been a disturbing increase in criminal activities ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
“This is not only causing distress among our members and residents but also hampering economic activities and social cohesion in our community”.
He said that as an association of legal practitioners, they firmly believe in upholding the rule of law and guaranteeing the safety and security of every individual within our jurisdiction.
“We appeal to our members and other residents of Bwari and its surrounding areas to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“Our collective efforts will play crucial roles in building a safer and more secure environment for all”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, the Director-General, Institute of Law Research and Development of United Nations (ILAWDUN), Washington DC, USA has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged corruption in Nigerian judiciary.
Edward-Ekpo, who gave the advice in a statement in Abuja on Friday, underscored the need for a new approach to stemming the system of corruption and intellectual poverty among judicial officers and court administrative staffers.
According to the don, judges are the voices of sentencing, but their freedom of choice is limited by the rule of law, good conscience, principles of integrity and morality.
“Quite appalling, today’s role of the Nigerian judiciary comprising the Judex and the Bar, has been different. It has progressed to an international public ridicule and odium, and quite perilous.
“The law in Nigeria has lost a constructional role as a guidance and protector of a stable and democratic system – promoting a systemic mass toward desecration of temple of justice and state’s destruction.
“Beyond debates, this judo-moral crisis demands a critical-mass response, a new approach to stemming the cancerous system of corruption and intellectual poverty among judicial officers and court administrative staffers,’’ he said.
He also called on National Judicial Council to set up a committee of amicus and retired judges known for integrity and intellectual excellence, to review controversial judgments handed by several courts and tribunals.
According to him, the committee can receive reports/petitions of glaring disproportionate judgments, review them and invite the judges for questioning, especially where the basis of their judgment is found wanting.
“Two factors stand as causal elements to the problem of Nigerian judiciary. They include Intellectual poverty of some judges and Corruption.
“The process of which appointment of judges are made should be reviewed forthwith, due consideration to creating a mechanism for only the best brains and tested characters to be appointed into the Bench,’’ Edward-Ekpo noted.
He also appealed to Tinubu to consult with the National Assembly and present an Executive Bill to tackle judicial corruption and enhance integrity and independence of the judiciary within the framework of constitution. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Stakeholders at the Rule of Law Development Foundation 5th annual Criminal Law Review say the laws being operated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are obsolete and need to be reviewed.
They made observation in a communique issued at the end of the 5th review in Abuja.
The communique was read by the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu, SAN on Wednesday in Abuja.
The conference has the theme “Revitalisation of the Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Federal Capital Territory Criminal Justice System in Focus”.
According to the communique, the substantive criminal law i.e. the Penal Code and its procedural component Criminal Procedure Code are obsolete, adding that the time to reform them is ripe.
The foundation also called for a review of the law that permits the EFCC to confiscate suspects’ properties, some of which may have been acquired before they assumed public office.
“That Section 29 of the EFCC Act on forfeiture and freezing of assets, which gives the EFCC unchecked rights to seize the property of suspects without regard to the observance of the fundamental rights to property and liberty is manifestly unjust and such provisions need to be revisited,” he said.
It also cautioned lawyers from filing frivolous applications in courts and commenting on pending court cases in the media.
On the Rivers State crisis, they agreed that the president was right to have intervened because he had the responsibility to safeguard the country from having a fresh security flashpoint with potential impact on the economy.
“We hope that those who have been fanning the embers of disagreement between the two parties would not go back and try to torpedo the newfound peace and harmony between them because they are making money from it”. (NAN)
The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, says plea bargain enhances the quick recovery of stolen assets and proceeds of crime.
Fagbemi said this at the unveiling of the ‘Plea Bargaining Guidelines for Federal Prosecutors, 2023 and the maiden sensitization workshop on the Guidelines on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Under section 494(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, Plea Bargain is well described as the “the process in criminal proceedings whereby the defendant and the prosecution work out a mutually acceptable disposition of the case.
“This include the plea of the defendant to a lesser offence than that charged in the complaint or information and in conformity with other conditions imposed by the prosecution, in return for a lighter sentence than that of the higher charge subject to the court’s approval.
“It is also one of the mechanisms that can facilitate cost effective, timely and sustainable decongestion of Custodial Centers”.
He, however, noted that the practice of plea bargaining in serious and complex cases especially when the defendant is a politically exposed person or high net individual, is often misunderstood as a means of giving soft landing to individuals who have looted the resources of the State and commonwealth of the nation.
“This negative perception was more common prior to 2015 when there was no specific statutory provision regulating the practice of plea bargaining.
“Today, this perception has not significantly changed notwithstanding the provisions of section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
And, similar provisions in the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of the various States of the Federation which now provide for plea bargaining.
“This has necessitated the need for standard guidelines for the implementation of plea bargaining provisions contained in our laws”.
He said the objective of these guidelines is to, inter alia, guide the prosecution and the defence in reaching a plea bargain agreement that is in the interest of justice, the public interest, public policy and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.
He added that the guidelines unveiled would promote standardisation, enhance the effective implementation of the plea bargaining provisions in the ACJA and significantly contribute and stimulate overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.
“The effective deployment of plea bargain provisions will therefore reduce the financial cost of prosecutions, hasten trial processes, eliminate uncertainty of trials, facilitate the quick return of stolen assets and generally enhance the efficiency of the Criminal justice system”.
He noted that considering these advantages, he counted it a great privilege to encourage states to adapt or adopt the provisions of these guidelines, especially when dealing with plea negotiation of federal offences.
The minister said the guideline was a product of a cumulative effort of all the prosecuting agencies and other stakeholders.
“I must therefore commend the efforts of every stakeholder institution, particularly all the prosecuting agencies involved in the production of these Guidelines for your dedication and commitment to the reforms in the Criminal Justice Sector especially towards the development of these Guidelines.
The minister said It was his conviction that these guidelines will not only enhance public confidence in plea bargaining process in Nigeria, but will reduce case backlog and congestion of correctional centres.
“It will ensure that the principles of accountability, equity, integrity and transparency are observed in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion on plea bargain, in line with international best practices”.
Also speaking, the Chief Justice of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf described the new guidelines as the newest addition into the armoury of the Nigerian Criminal Justice System protocol and procedures.
Plea bargaining, he restated, had become one of the prominent features in the criminal justice system of many jurisdictions across the globe including Nigeria..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng
The Nigerian Bar Association Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) has signed an agreement with the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Center (NCCDRC) on effective and efficient legal practice.
The Chairman of the Unity Bar, Mr Afam Okeke said this in Abuja.
Okeke said that the partnership would create greater opportunities for members of the branch, particularly the young lawyers, for successful careers.
“The partnership will focus on
Alternative Dispute Resolution, Executive Trainings, Consultancy Services, Provision of Adequate facilities for trainings and dispute resolution, Neutrals appointments, ADR Registry Services, and such other services as may be agreed by parties”.
He also said the collaboration was in line with the welfare policy of the present executive of the branch.
He thanked the management of the NCCDRC for the collaboration.
Jideani assured the branch of more collaborations that will be mutually beneficial to both parties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okeke and Musa Isiaka signed the agreement on behalf of the NBA Abuja Branch, while Agabaidu Jideani and Aisha Ado-Abdullahi signed for NCCDRC. (NAN)
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja, Mr Afam Okeke, has urged members of the Unity Bar who are yet to pay their branch dues to do so.
Okeke made the call at the presentation of the end of the year package to the first 200 members who paid their 2023 branch dues in Abuja on Wednesday.
He pledged to continue supporting members of the Unity Bar towards a successful practice .
“The branch officers approved the novel initiative to encourage members who pay their annual branch dues.
“The beneficiaries were divided into three categories, first 100 young lawyers that paid their branch dues, six lawyers with disability and first 94 lawyers who are not young lawyers.
“It is our own way of giving back to our members and appreciating them for their support.
“In the words of Paul Newman (American Actor, Film Director, Race car driver, philanthropist and entrepreneur) “I’m not running for sainthood. I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer, who puts back into the soil what he takes out.
“We want to assure our members that this initiative will be sustained, we want to use this opportunity to encourage members who did not qualify this year to endeavor to pay their branch dues early in 2024 to qualify’’.
He advised the recipients to strive to be men and women of good character, if they must succeed in life, and to follow the rules and ethics of the profession.
One of the recipients, Mr Isaiah Bozimo, SAN, while thanking the branch for such a laudable initiative, requested the chairman of the branch to use his discretion to give his own package to a young lawyer.
Also, one of the young recipients, Ms Zullaihat Ohiare also thanked the Unity Bar for the gesture that made the end of the year special for her.
“I am thrilled over the year-end package.
“The thoughtful contents of the package not only celebrate the culmination of a remarkable year in the Unity Bar but also create a sense of connection and appreciation for the branch that has been a constant source of inspiration. NAN)
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday, cautioned the Federal High Court (FHC) judges against taking their appointment for granted.
Justice Ariwoola, who made the statement while declaring open the 39th Annual FHC Judges’ Conference and the FHC’s 50th Anniversary Lectures in Abuja, urged them not to hesitate to consult to bring the best out of their rulings and judgments.
The CJN enjoined the judges to be hardworking and diligent in justice delivery, while calling on them to always write their judgements in a way that the appellate court would always affirm.
“Anyone that is lucky to be appointed to this court, without mincing words, is indeed very lucky and should not take that for granted.
“I implore you all to please continue to work very hard; work hard and harder and go extra mile each time.
“Do not assume that what then are the gentlemen at the appellate court doing. No, let that (appellate) court affirm your decisions.
“Always write your judgments that the appellate court will have no choice than to affirm your decisions.
“Don’t leave any loophole,” he said
According to CJN, to be a judge, certainly, is not a child’s play, particularly at your court where you don’t sit as panel; you sit as a lone ranger.
“You sit all alone, you are the lord of the court. Please, always go extra mile even in what you consider a simple application.
“It is your court. You are not there to impress anyone at all. If you need to take a break to consult your note, to consult your books before you rule, no application by counsel is simple.
“Make relevant consultations and come to give your ruling,” he said.
Ariwoola, who said the judges should not feel threatened if lawyers opted to go on appeal, said “an appeal is an entitlement.
“That is what the Appeal Court is there for.”
The CJN, who described the FHC as the largest court in Nigeria, said it was the best of the courts of trial.
“The jurisdiction of the court has kept being expanded. It is the only court that has originating jurisdiction on electoral matters,” he said.
He said though FHC was not the only federal court, it was, however, the best of the federal courts.
He expressed optimism that the judges would gain a lot from the wealth of experience of the lecturers.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, said it had been the practice of the court from inception for judges of the court to meet annually to appraise the activities of the previous year, with a view to finding solutions to identified problems.
“The object of this conference, therefore, is to critically discuss any issues confronting us as a court and seek remedies to them.
“We will also be addressed by practitioners in different fields of knowledge and learning, which will help us to continue to have a grip on our health and intellectual competence,” he said.
He said the FHC would always seek ways and means to enhance justice delivery in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, says synergy and collaboration are crucial in reshaping the weak points of the criminal justice system.
Fagbemi said this at the two-day workshop on Criminal Justice Stakeholders on ‘Coordination for Effective Implementation of Sections 29, 33 and 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice ACT, 2015 on Monday in Abuja.
“The purpose of this workshop is to bring about that missing link within our collective aspirations to build a society where justice prevails, regardless of the circumstances.
“Our roles as law judicial officers, prosecutors, enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and indeed citizens are to ensure prompt justice delivery.
“None of us is immune to or insulated from the challenges of our present system, and it is essential to recognise that the transformation of criminal justice system is embedded in our collective efforts.
“We must build a resilient and efficient model, we must learn from the mistakes of others and work together to create a system we can trust, rely on, and be proud of.
He said it is high time stakeholders faced the challenges head-on and optimise the system for the benefit of all.
“It is without doubt that in the landscape of our criminal justice system, we face challenges in the enforcement of some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 especially sections 29, 33 and 34.
“These prevailing challenges lies basically in the absence of coordinated approach and the making of the requisite sacrifices involved as the need arises to enforce the existing laws and policies.
“We will continue to focus on the coordination for the effective implementation of arrests, prompt delivery of statutory reports on arrests and the crucial monthly visits by magistrates to detention facilities”.
He noted that Section 29 of ACJA, 2015 emphasises the establishment of a database for records of those arrested for proper accountability.
“In this digital age, data is not just information, it is life, and when properly utilised, it becomes a powerful tool in shaping government policies and recognition of patterns.
“Data sharing is crucial, and the lack thereof contributes to the loss of lives every day and some crimes are preventable when data is properly harnessed or shared”.
He said that the implementation of the section in line with the specific details outlined in section 15 of ACJA, 2015 will require the collaboration of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) towards the creation of a robust database for informed decision-making process.
“While it is important to recognize all divisions that has been consistent, till date there are some police stations that do not comply with the provision of sections 29 and 33 of ACJA with regards to the rendering of monthly reports of suspects arrested without warrants.
“We have also noticed a reduction in the monthly visits by the judicial officers to detention facilities”.
He commended the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee and donor partners on the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitor Scheme (CDSS).
He noted that the Police duty solicitors are presently stationed in over 15 Police Divisions in the FCT.
“The scheme has continued to monitor compliance with the provisions of ACJA, and ensures that arrested persons are treated with dignity.
“Records have shown that the PDSS has ensured access to justice, right to counsel, legal services and right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees since inception in February 2022.
“It has in collaboration with the Police Divisions in the FCT, taken the extra efforts to ensure a healthy condition of the cells.
“In addition, the Court Duty Solicitors has continued to offer free preliminary legal services and representation in the courts”.
The Minister assured that his vision is to see a justice system that works for all, irrespective of status.
“To this end, I urge you all to unite in creating a criminal justice system that fears or respects no one except the rule of law.
“We must uphold the minimum standards that accords respect to suspects throughout the administration of criminal justice” he added. (NAN)
======
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
