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Tag: Judges

  • CJN warns judges against serving as tools to desperate politicians

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has warned judges against yielding themselves as tools for the subversion of justice by politicians who are desperate for power.

    The CJN, who urged judges to shun corruption and other unethical conduct, advised them to always, in the course of their duties, be guided by their conscience and the oath they swore to as judicial officers.

    Justice Mohammed spoke in Abuja yesterday while swearing-in 30 new judges of the Federal High Court. The swearing is a culmination of a process which began last year with newspapers’ advertisement.  Two thousand applied, from which 128 were shortlisted for interview.

    This set of judges is the first to be appointed using the more rigorous process under the “2014 Revised National Judicial Council Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria.”

    In particular, the CJN urged judges of the Federal High Court to always remember that, with the court’s broad jurisdiction (the largest in the country), their judgments have “potential to change the governance and impact the peace of our dear nation.

    “I urge your lordships and all judicial officers not to allow themselves to be used as pawns by our various politicians in their quest for power.  The law is not obedient to any man but itself; by contrast, all men must obey the laws of the land.

    “Your Lordships must therefore take the proverbial bull by the horns and pull the plough within your courts so that we cultivate a highly professional, incorruptible and effective justice delivery system.

    “This we can only do, when we dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.  We must be seen to do justice though the heavens may fall and I assure your lordships that the heavens will surely not fall.

    “In an era where more press and public scrutiny of your courts is abound, we must all now realize that we have a sophisticated, discerning and alert population that is able to interpret our actions, however cleverly disguised.

    “Even if they are not able to perceive the mala fides in an act, nevertheless the duty to do justice and act honestly in furtherance of our collective interest as a people is surely no less a concern. In fact, such a duty is even starker.  This informs the oaths we take and must underpin the way that we act in our courts,” Justice Mohammed said

    The CJN, who expressed concern over the increasing frequency of corruption allegations against the Judiciary, agreed the few bad eggs exist within the nation’s judicial system. He challenged those behind such allegations to always provide evidence to allow for easy identification of the corrupt ones.“Although I will not hide away from the reality that some Judges and Judicial Staff may be complicit in corrupt practices, however, I must assert that corruption within the Judiciary is only imbibed by a minute minority.

    The new judges are: Mrs.Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie (Delta State), Yellin S. Bogoro (Bauchi State), Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo (Ogun State),  Ibrahim Watila (Borno State),  Mallong Peter Hoommuk (Plateau State), Isa Hamma Adama Dashen (Adamawa  State), Hassan Dikko (Kebbi State), Jude Kanyioh Dagat (Kaduna State), Olayinka Olusegun Tokode (Osun State)  and Simon Akpah Amobeda (Kogi State).

    Others are Jane Egienanwan Inyang (Cross River State), Daniel Emeka Osiagor (Rivers State), Prof. Chuka Austine Obiozor (Anambra State), Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweib          (Bayelsa State), Hassan Muslim Sule (Zamfara State), Hadiza Rabiu Shagari (Sokoto State), Saleh Kogo Idrissa (Yobe State), Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik (Edo State) and Hillary Ide Osho Oshomah (Edo State).

    Also included are Fadima Murtala Aminu (Adamawa State), Toyin Bolaji Adegoke           (Kwara State), James Kolawole Omotosho (Ogun State), Nehizena Idemudia Ekunwe (Edo State), Stephen Daylop Pam (Plateau State), Akintayo Aluko (        Ekiti State), Dr. Nnamdi O. Dimgba (Abia State), Emeka Nwite     (Ebonyi State), Abdulazeez M.Z. Anka          (Zamfara State), Abdu Dogo (FCT) and Adamu Turaki Muhammed (Jigawa State).

    “I believe that the Nigerian Judiciary is comprised largely  Judicial officers who are hardworking, dedicated, ethically minded, learned, patriotic and possess the highest standards of morals.  Indeed there is scarcely any other type of public servant as committed to their role as these dispensers of Justice.

    “The Nigerian Judiciary is one of the hardest working Judiciaries in the world, despite the paucity of funds and the lack of adequate welfare provisions for its personnel. Nevertheless, I must accept the need for the Judiciary to sanitize itself where allegations are made.

    “However, as the saying goes- he who alleges must prove.  This will indeed be done where the accusers themselves avail us of the particulars of these incidences of judicial corruption as well as the identity of the perpetrators, so that the National Judicial Council can act promptly and appropriately to remove such deviants from the Bench

    “I urge your lordships to consider the oaths that you have just taken to be a solemn commitment to serve with dedication, fairness, and in a manner that is faithful to the Constitution and the law of the land.  It is also a solemn covenant to the Almighty that you will perform your duty with all due diligence and honesty.

    “As such you must strive not to betray these oaths as this will also mean a betrayal of the trust of those who screened, interviewed and recommended you before your eventual appointment.  It will indeed be a betrayal of the trust of Nigerians who have reposed in you the power of Judgment as the representatives of God on earth.

    “Your lordships are now the embodiment of Justice.  You are the executors of the law and the protector of the social contracts, rights and morals that give safety to the good people of Nigeria.  Where your Jurisdiction permits it, you must ensure that you interpret the law within the confines of Judicial Precedent.

    “It may be that a difficult matter lies before you and the knotty issues of legal jurisprudence may seem arcane.  I urge you to seek the counsel of fellow Judges that are more senior to yourselves and are equally respected.  Be thoroughly grounded in the law and you will surely find solid footing therein,” the CJN said.

     

  • Judge’s absence stalls plan to re-arraign Oronsaye, others

    Judge’s absence stalls plan to re-arraign Oronsaye, others

    THE scheduled re-arraignment of former Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF), Steven Oronsaye, and some others was stalled yesterday following the absence of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, before who a fresh charge was filed.

    The prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said on November 3 that it  filed a new charge of money laundering against Oronsaye and some others.

    Its lawyer, Adebisi Adeniyi, said the new charge contained 35 counts with additional defendants, which were mainly corporate organisations.

    The new defendants are Global Services Limited, Cluster Logistic Limited, Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited, Crew Investment & Construction Company Limited, together with Oronsaye, Afe and his company, who were earlier arraigned in a separate charge.

    The court adjourned to November 25 for their arraignment on the fresh charge.

    When parties got to court yesterday, they learnt from court officials that the judge was attending the All Nigeria Judges’ conference and could not attend court. A new date of December 2, was selected.

    Oronsaye and two others – Osarenkhoe Afe and his company, Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited – were earlier arraigned on July 13, on a 24-count for allegedly laundering about N1.2 billion. They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    They were charged under Section 14 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, which offences are said to be punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

  • Lagos assures judges of prompt salary payment

    Lagos assures judges of prompt salary payment

    Lagos State Government yesterday assured customary court judges of prompt payment of their salaries, henceforth.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem made the pledge at a workshop for the Judges.

    The theme of the workshop, organised by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission (LSJSC), was: “The role of customary court judges in the nation’s judicial system.”

    Kazeem, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Funmi Odunlami, said the government was aware that local governments have not been paying judges regularly.

    This, he said, was capable of dampening judges’ morale.

    The commissioner said: “The state executive council is looking into ways of putting a stop to such morale dampening treatment and it shall soon come up with a lasting solution”.

    Lagos Chief Judge Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, represented by Justice Taofikat Oyekan-Abdulai, described the state as a pace setter in justice administration, urging the judges to always uphold the truth.

    Justice Atilade, who reminded the judges that customary courts have limited jurisdiction, counselled them to dispense justice fairly and without fair or favour.

    She said the people’s tradition should guide them when dispensing justice as they are not to apply common law in all the cases before them.

    LSJSC Executive Secretary Mrs Ayodele Odugbesan urged local governments to ensure prompt payment of the judges’ salaries.

    She noted that contrary to the council’s expectations, courts are not revenue generating institutions.

     

  • Attack on judges: self-defence or self-help to the rescue?

    Attack on judges: self-defence or self-help to the rescue?

    A week after the September 11, 2001 attack, President Bush told a joint session of the Congress: ‘’whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done’’.

    At this juncture,  Nigerian judges must come to terms with, and tackle three sets of enemies: the few judges in their midst, driven by greed and avarice and know no honour politicians, who go about painting judges in grotesque pictures just to cover up their failures, and lastly, lawyers, who collected monies from litigants and pocketed same, but return to explain to his client that other parties bided higher, and at any given opportunity, they lend voices to judicial corruption discourse.

    If a judge can file a petition against a sitting governor in Osun State, demanding his impeachment, there is nothing stopping a judge from calling on judicial authorities for the discipline of a fellow judge he/she considered desecrating the temple of justice.

    The leadership of the Judiciary cannot afford too, to keep such elements in the system.

    To effectively tame the remaining two sets of enemies perhaps, require some illustrations.

    In 1841, an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson, entitled Compensation, was published suggesting “every man in his lifetime needs to thank his faults” and “acquire habits of self-help” as “our strength grows out of our weakness.”

    In this context, Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: ’’No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, or to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

    The right of self-defence is the right for persons to use reasonable force or defensive force, for the purpose of defending one’s own life or the lives of others, including, in certain circumstances, the use of deadly force.

    Take for instance, in August 2014, Ram Kumar Singh, a practising advocate since 1983, sent a notice to the Supreme Court as well as the Chief Justice of India, alleging that the Chief Judge of the Allahabad High Court was “pro-government” and “unfit to administer in his present capacity”.

    He also accused the Chief Justice of India of helping the Chief Judge and the Supreme Court, saying the apex body was “captured by corrupt gang of people”.

    The court said the allegations were “contemptuous, wild and reckless”. It  barred Singh from entering both the District Court and the Allahabad High Court (including Lucknow Bench) for six months.

    Following the order, advocate Singh, who was present in the court and had argued his case in person, was taken into judicial custody.

    Eventually, the court’s order read: “We are of the view that any lenient or sympathetic approach, if adopted by the court, would give a wrong message to all concerned and may cause serious damage to the authority of the court.

    “The allegations are apparently scandalous and lower down the authority of the court. We, therefore, hold the contemnor guilty of criminal contempt.”

    Holding the lawyer guilty of “maligning the reputation” and “lowering the authority of the court” through his comments, the Allahabad High Court sentenced him to four-month imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1,500.

    On November 08, 2003, a combative criminal defence lawyer who represented some of the most notorious defendants in Northern California (USA) went to jail to serve a 20-day sentence for “extremely offensive” and “utterly unprofessional” conduct during a trial four years ago. She also was fined $4,300 for contempt.

    Maureen Kallins, 54, who began practising law in 1976, left a packed courtroom with her hands cuffed behind her back after a judge refused to modify her sentence for contempt of court.

    Kallins received five contempt sanctions from the judge during the 1999 trial, in which she represented an accused rapist who was subsequently convicted. Her appeals were recently exhausted.

    Kallins had been a well-known legal figure in Northern California, particularly for her aggressive style in the courtroom and her tendency to enrage judges and prosecutors.

    Appellate courts chastised her for “outrageous” conduct and for being so “out of control” in one trial that it became “the trial from hell.”

    The 2011 Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal led by Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs (now JSC) on 5 October, 2011 summoned the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr. Rotimi Fasakin for allegedly calling the five justices of the tribunal “a cash and carry panel”.

    The said controversial press statement led to the tribunal summoning Nigerian Tribune’s Editor, Mr Edward Dickson and reporter, Christian Okeke, who were later discharged and acquitted after giving evidence that it was issued by Fasakin. In what could have served as a lesson for our politicians of today, the panel also allowed Fasakin to walk out of the court a free man.

    Ever since then, attacks on judges have not just increased, but added some new dimensions.

    A High Court in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State was bombed on January 6, 2015. Justice Charles Wali was to hear a suit instituted by the then Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Otelemaba Amachree, and others seeking an injunction to retrain a member, Evans Bipi, from parading himself as the Speaker of the Assembly, when the incident occurred.

    On 22 May, 2015, angry youths took to the streets in some part of Kano State, protesting what they call an abuse on the Prophet Muhammad by some members of Tijjaniya Movement during a lecture in Kano. The accused person and a female who organised the lecture were to be arraigned before the Kurna Sharia Court the same day it was set ablaze.

    A new dimension to delaying criminal cases was witnessed in Ekiti State prior to the swearing in of the state Governor, Ayo Fayose.

    Fayose was under trial for allegations of financial misappropriation during his first term as governor between 2003 and 2006 when he was removed from office through an impeachment.

    Prior to the swearing-in, a group, E-11, and others challenged Fayose’s eligibility to contest the election. In a determined bid to stop the case from being heard, judges, lawyers, court officials, and journalists were, on September 22nd and 25th, 2014, beaten or assaulted.  Judges’ suits and court records were also torn to shreds, while windows and furniture of the courts were smashed.

    Curiously, Ekiti State Chief Judge stepped out to administer oath of office and allegiance to Fayose shortly after the incident.

    A big lesson could have been served on politicians if the Chief Judge refused to administer the oaths to Fayose.

    A horrible precedent had been set. All the corrupt governors or ‘’very important persons’’ need to do is to cause the disruption of a criminal trial by sending thugs to beat up judges and force a shut-down of the “helpless” Judiciary.

    Also in Bayelsa State, gang of thugs repeated the Ekiti incident when, on March 30, 2015, they attacked a Federal High Court in Yenogoa in order to prevent the court, which was in session, from delivering a judgment on Senator Heineken Lokpobiri’s case against the governor’s preferred senatorial candidate, Foster Ogola, over the validity of the latter’s candidacy for Bayelsa West senatorial district.

    The fact remains that those who invaded the court acted criminally, but got away with it as well as with benefits, which makes the crime attractive to these personalities

    Coming back home, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Austine Alegeh (SAN) during the special session of the Supreme Court to mark the commencement of the 2015-2016 legal year and the swearing-in of newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria, accused some judges of rendering judgments for a fee.

    Alegeh said: “It is indeed very worrisome that certain judicial officers still engage in rendering judgments for a fee. Instances abound where judicial officers have resorted to turning the law on its head and making pronouncements which are at variance with the provisions of the law.

    “A few others have formed the bad habit of ignoring judicial precedents even when such authorities are brought to their attention by counsel’’

    Even in some developed countries, it would not have been out of place for a court of competent jurisdiction to summon the NBA president the following day to name those he found to have engaged in ‘’rendering judgments for a fee’’.

    The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, went on air on  October 19, 2015 to accuse the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa of undue interference in the activities of various election petition tribunals and other judicial cases and working to sway decisions in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Again, Metuh did not cite one example of cases or judges affected,  except just to bring the judge or the judiciary into ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt.

    In view of the harm being done to the Judiciary through these acts, judges can no longer afford to continue to look the other way; they must draw lines and go to equity by taking recourse to self-defence or self-help. But it is trite that he who must go to equity must go with clean hands. The Judiciary therefore, must first get rid of the ‘’few’’ indulging in denting the images of the Judiciary.

    Ahuraka is the Media Aide to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

     

     

     

  • APC warns Fayose to stop attacking judiciary, judges

    APC warns Fayose to stop attacking judiciary, judges

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has warned Governor Ayo Fayose to stop what it called “sustained and relentless attacks on judges and the judiciary” because he had benefited from them in the past.

    Following the ruling in the Akwa Ibom and Rivers governorship election petitions, Fayose was reported to have alleged that the tribunal judges “succumbed to federal might in nullifying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) victories in favour of the APC.’’

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the APC denounced Fayose for accusing somebody else of using federal might for electoral gains.

    “We never knew that Fayose would be the one accusing anyone of using federal might for electoral advantage.

    “Did Fayose take his conscience into consideration when Army officers and men were used by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to intimidate opponents in the June 21, 2014, governorship election?

  • Lagos organises referees, judges’ training course

    The Lagos Amateur Boxing Association (LABA) has announced plans to engage it’s referees and judges in refresher courses in order to acquaint them with new developments in the sport.

    The secretary of LABA, Adejuwon Adesoye made the announcement at the bi-monthly stakeholders meeting of the association held at the Boxing Gym, Surulere, Lagos.

    He said: “We have concluded plans to have the judges and referees under our association to further improve the officiating standards in boxing. This is part of our quest to intimate our referees and judges with the rules and regulations guiding the sport while encouraging our members to develop themselves in the best ways possible.”

    “The association wants to have its referees and judges represent the country in AIBA recognised international competitions like the world championships and the Olympics.”

    “Over the years, we have seen a lot of our boxers being shortchanged in tournaments because we did not have quality representation at the technical corner,” he said.

    The course will run from  November 23 to 30  at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and is open to all referees and judges across the the country and members of the public who are interested in taking part.

  • Corruption has eaten deep into judiciary, says Fayose

    Corruption has eaten deep into judiciary, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday came hard on the Judiciary, alleging that it is riddled with corruption.

    Its judgments, he claimed, are for sale to the highest bidder.

    He said the institution must be purged for the battle against corruption to be won.

    Fayose spoke at a special service at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, to mark the beginning of a New Legal Year.

    The governor alleged that judges now lobby to be appointed to serve in election tribunals to make money and influence judgment in favour of their political friends.

    Fayose said: “The judiciary has the power of life and death but this sensitive arm of government has been compromised and most judgments in Nigeria today are monetised.

    “If the battle against corruption can be won between the Bar and the Bench, it will be won in the society.

    “Due to the cancer of financial inducement that has eaten deep into our judicial system, it is only in Nigeria that a political armed robber will orchestrate the trial of somebody before a corrupt judge, all in the name of waging anti- corruption war.

    “When there are glaring facts on the table of anti-corruption agencies, they will pretend not to see or look the other way, especially if the culprit is a member of their  party or under the directive of the power that be.

    “That is why some judges are timid in giving judgments against the ruling party. Such individuals are judged on the pages of newspaper and consequently confirmed by the willing judges.

    “It gets more worrisome when facts have revealed that most of these judgements were written by lawyers for some compromised judges.

    “Some judges  also have cases assigned to them to do a shoddy job, thereby descending into unwholesomeness.

    “Other instances are when judges have to recommend lawyers to clients.

    “A lot of human rights activist lawyers have been working with some judges to destroy the lives of innocent Nigerians for pecuniary benefits and cheap popularity.

    “I, therefore, want our judges to understand that after here, there  is  another judgement. As for me, I have never and will never  influence judgement for whatever reason. In Ekiti, for instance, I don’t have the telephone numbers of judges.

    “If Nigeria is to move forward and for us to have a just society, the judiciary has a major role to play and must be seen doing so.

    “This address does not imply that the judiciary is totally devoid of some credible and incorruptible judges, whose conducts are commendable.

    “I won’t end this address without referring you to Hebrews 9:27 where is it said that it is appointed for men to die once and after this judgment.

    “We should remember that all human actions will be rewarded by God Almighty.”

    The Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev Christopher Omotunde, urged members of the judiciary to allow the fear of God to guide them.

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  • ‘Judges should read widely’

    ‘Judges should read widely’

    The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi has urged his colleagues on the bench to read widely and carry out extensive studies in addition to embracing the information technology.

    The aim, he said, is to improve themselves and their judgments.

    He made the appeal while declaring open the maiden Bar Week, which featured a dinner and award night.

    The event was organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branch at Anaocha area of the state.

    The theme of the annual conference was “Nigeria’s Self-Inflicted Judicial Wounds: The Calamitous Consequence of Legal Practice, SANs, the Stabilising Guidance of Legal Theory”.

    The event took place at White Castle Hotel in Neni, where Governor Willie Obiano was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Mrs Vera Okonkwo.

    Justice Umeadi identified two schools of thought which guide writing of judgments in Nigeria: the Babalakin and Olatuwara schools.

    Identifying himself with the Olatuwara, Umeadi said a judge should never be in doubt as to the facts of a case and the justice of a matter.

    Furthermore, he advised legal practitioners to embrace the appropriate legal theories-jurisprudence which was the norm of legal practice.

    The chairman of the occasion, the Chief Judge commended the cooperation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria with the NBA on the issue of implementation of stamp and seal policy.

    Again, he expressed worry that a lot of new cases filed by lawyers and some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) do not meet the new stamp policy requirement.

    He therefore assured the NBA of his readiness to implement the stamp policy in Anambra state.

    The chairman of the Anaocha NBA branch, Mr Chris Adimora, called for a joint retreat among the three arms of government to fashion out ways of solving some legal challenges.

    He urged political leaders and governors to make out case for non-northerners who were victims of insurgency.

    Also, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Chinyere Ossy-Okoye, said that the celebration was focused on brainstorming on the professional development of members and promotion of public awareness and understanding of the law and its role in the society.

    Anambra state Governor Willie Obiano, represented by Mrs. Vera Okonkwo assured that judiciary workers in the state would soon call off the ongoing strike action following efforts by the state government to resolve the faceoff.

    The state chapter of the judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Sept. 7 had embarked on the strike action demanding for the implementation of Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS).

    Obiano urged lawyers to work hard to ensure that rights of common man was not trampled upon.

    A lecture delivered on the theme, the Past Dean of Law, Enugu State University of Technology, (ESUT) Prof. Race Achara, said that the Nigerian legal profession was facing many challenges.

    According to him, lawyers’ demand notices were no longer respected.

    According to Achara, “Worst of all is the confusing judgments of courts in the country and the attitude of throwing out cases for technical reasons”

    “They don’t lead to respect for the judicial system,” he said.

     

  • Amosun to judges, lawyers: Support anti-graft war

    Amosun to judges, lawyers: Support anti-graft war

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has urged judges and lawyers to support the executive in ensuring the success of the war against corruption.

    Amosun, who spoke during a religious service to mark the beginning of the new legal year, said the executive alone cannot successfully pursue the war against graft.

    He said the active support of the bar and bench is needed.

    The governor assured judicial officers in the state of his administration’s determination to improve on their welfare in order to nip corruption in the bud.

    A church service was held at the Cathedral of St. Peters, Ake, while a Moslem service held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti in Abeokuta.

    Amosun, while praising the Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, for the judiciary’s support, said his administration would continue to improve on judicial officers’ welfare despite the current economic situation.

    “A lot would be done to improve on the welfare of our judicial officers in the state. Government alone cannot fight corruption to a standstill. We need the active support of the Bar and Bench to nip the cankerworm in the bud.

    “There is no better time for you to rededicate yourself than now that the new administration at the Federal level is trying to kill what I call corruption.

    “So, we need the judicial staff – both the judges and the lawyers to assist in that process to have a new Nigeria,”the governor said.

    Speaking with journalists after the church service, Justice Olopade urged judicial officers to be steadfast in administering justice.

    She said they should ensure fairness and equity in the dispensation of justice at all times.

    Justice Olopade said the state would embark on renovation of all the courts, provide tools for workers andfocus on measures at decongesting the prisons, such as community service.

    Delivering a sermon, the Lord Bishop of Ijebu Southwest, Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo said judicial officers should endeavour to administer justice with truthfulness, righteousness and the fear of God.

    He added that they should be humble despite the enormous powers they posses.

    Prof Hafis Oladosu of the Department of Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan praised the state government for placing Ogun on the path of development.

    He urged the governor to complete all on-going projects.

     

  • CJN cautions judges, magistrates on plea bargain adoption

    CJN cautions judges, magistrates on plea bargain adoption

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has cautioned judges and magistrates to be cautious in handling plea bargains  brought before them.

    He also advised judicial officers to accord human face to criminal justice proceedings by considering other alternatives to custodial sentences in view of the inadequacies of the nation’s prison system.

    ‘I call on you all to be aware of the provision of other alternatives to custodial sentences, which will assist in ensuring that justice is done, with a human face and in consideration of the capacity of our prisons to cope with incarcerated persons’

    Justice Mohammed spoke in Kaduna yesterday while addressing a group of judges and magistrates, who are attending a sensitisation workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), for judges and magistrates of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding by the European Union (EU).

    The CJN, who was represented by Justice Ibrahim Tanko,  noted that the ACJ Act is the culmination of the long held desire to improve upon the administration of criminal justice and to bring the rules of criminal procedures in Nigeria in line with global best practices and the need of the 21st Century.

    He added that the objectives of the Act, as found in Section 1 of the law, are to promote efficient management of criminal justice institutions, provide of speedy dispensation of justice and protect the society from crime, while defending the rights and interest of the defendant and the victim.

    “These indicate a deliberate shift from punishment, as the main goal of criminal justice is restorative justice, which pays attention to the needs of the society, the victims, vulnerable persons and human dignity,” the CJN said.

    “Another important innovation, which I shall only mention, is plea bargaining. Suffice it to say that you must be very careful. And I repeat, you must be very careful in accepting a plea bargain agreement that is before you and ensure that its use is indeed judicious and not malicious.

    “Similarly, I call on you all to be aware of the provision of other alternatives to custodial sentences, which will assist in ensuring that justice is done, with a human face and in consideration of the capacity of our prisons to cope with incarcerated persons,” he said.

    The National Judicial Commission (NJC) in April 2013 suspended Justice Abubakar Mahmud Talba of the FCT High Court for one year on the grounds “that he did not exercise his discretion judicially and judiciously with regard to the sentences he passed on one of the accused persons, Mr. John Yakubu Yusuf in the Police Pension case of FRN vs Esai Dangabar and five others.”

    Justice Talba had, in his judgment in the case, awarded a fine of N750,000 as fine against Yusuf, who pleaded guilty to the theft of over N23billion. Justice Talba, who has since resumed duties, was listed, in the programme of event, as a discussant and participant at the workshop.

    The Chief Judge of the High Court of the FCT, Justice Ishaq Bello, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Moses Bello and the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Professor Adedeji Adekunle commended the various innovative provisions contained in the ACJA 2015.

    They were confident that the law, when properly applied, was capable of revolutionizing the nation’s criminal justice system and eliminate the delay associated with criminal trials.

    The FCT High Court Chief Justice said the workshop was intended to help judges, magistrates and other players within the criminal justice system understand the ACJA with a view to ensuring the effective operations of the system.

    The president of the Customary Court of Appeal, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Legal) Gabriel Maha, said the ACJA would help eliminate the lacuna that existed in the former criminal justice legislations, which constituted major challenges to the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

    Representative of the UNODC, Mrs. Ugonna Ezekwem, who highlighted the various ways her organisation was working to ensure that the ACJA was well popularised, assured everyone that the UNODC will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the ACJA.