The Court of Appeal has listed a total of 360 appeals for hearing during a special court session in Lagos, in a strategic move aimed at reducing the mounting backlog of cases at the division.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who presided over the special sitting yesterday, said the initiative underscored the court’s deliberate and sustained commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice, particularly at the Lagos Division, which bears a significant volume of appellate litigation due to its status as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
The special sitting, held in Lagos where the Court of Appeal was originally established, also forms a major highlight of activities marking the court’s 50th anniversary.
She explained that the heavy appellate burden in Lagos made proactive intervention inevitable.
“Today’s sitting reflects the court’s deliberate and sustained commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing the growing volume of appeals across its divisions.
“It has become timely and necessary for the court to take proactive measures to be conscious of the docket of appeals,” Justice Dongban-Mensem said.
To effectively manage the exercise, the Court of Appeal President disclosed that the court constituted 16 panels made up of 48 Justices drawn from various divisions across the country.
Justice Dongban-Mensem noted that all 360 appeals listed for the special sitting were ripe for hearing and urged legal practitioners and litigants to ensure full compliance with procedural requirements to avoid delays.
“For this exercise, the court has constituted 16 panels comprising 48 honourable Justices drawn from various divisions of the court.
“The panels will sit throughout the week, with hearings taking place at both the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, and the National Industrial Court (NIC) Complex, in order to maximise available judicial facilities and resources.
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“Counsel and parties are urged to take full advantage of this opportunity by ensuring readiness and strict adherence to applicable rules of procedure.”
Recalling a previous special sitting, she expressed disappointment that several appeals could not be heard due to lack of preparedness by counsel.
“It was very painful for me because our limited resources had been spent on air tickets, accommodation and logistics, yet we could not take most of the appeals because many counsel were not prepared,” she said.
While acknowledging the appeal of Lagos as a city, Justice Dongban-Mensem stressed that the sitting was strictly business.
She further disclosed that several Court of Appeal divisions were temporarily left with fewer Justices due to the deployment to Lagos.
“It’s always exciting to be in Lagos, Justices do not have that much time for leisure travel. When we set out time to work, we want to work. This is not a vacation.
“Many divisions have been left without Justices to take their cases. In appreciation of this sacrifice, I appeal to all lawyers to take this session seriously,” she said.
The Court of Appeal President commended the Lagos State Government, particularly the Office of the Attorney-General, as well as the National Industrial Court, for their logistical and institutional support.
She added that the National Industrial Court had consistently supported the Court of Appeal with both court and residential accommodation.
“I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Office of the Attorney-General of Lagos for collaborating with the court to ensure this week happens. Otherwise, our slim resources would not be able to carry as many Justices as are here today,” she said.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also called on lawyers, litigants and the media to help protect public confidence in the judiciary.
She reminded the public that the administration of justice depends on evidence and active participation.
“If we do not encourage people to have faith in the judiciary, we may not be able to contain the lawlessness that will occur when people lose confidence,” she warned.
“Judges are not magicians. Law enforcement agencies are not magicians. They need evidence. They need people to come up and say what they saw,” she said.
Addressing journalists, she urged accuracy and professionalism in court reporting.
“We appreciate your work in telling the world about the judiciary, but it is important that the correct information goes out. Where there is confusion, seek clarification,” she said.
In her closing remarks, Justice Dongban-Mensem urged all stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism as the Court of Appeal marks its golden jubilee.
“Justice must not only be done, it must manifestly be seen to be done,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the special sitting as historic and commended the initiative of the Court of Appeal President.
“It is an auspicious event, a rare and unprecedented opportunity for us within the Lagos Bar to be blessed with an array of wise and learned Justices from the various divisions of the Court of Appeal,” Adegboruwa said.
He assured the court of the Bar’s cooperation in ensuring speedy hearings while also congratulating the Court of Appeal on its golden jubilee.
“We, on behalf of the Bar, assure my Lords of our readiness to facilitate a speedy and expeditious hearing of all pending cases. It is in our own interest and in the interest of our clients.
“We congratulate the Court of Appeal for contributing immensely to the administration of justice in our nation, in the past, now and in the future,” he said.
However, he used the occasion to draw attention to funding and infrastructure challenges facing the judiciary.
He further expressed optimism that ongoing efforts to improve facilities at the Lagos Division would materialise.
“We know the challenges being faced by the judiciary in respect of lack of funding from the federal government. The Bar will continue to work with the judiciary to ensure that this important arm of government is well funded,” he said.
“We are glad that my Lord is already working on creating facilities within the premises of the Lagos Division, and we pray that this will come to pass,” he added.