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Tag: Justice Walter Onnoghen

  • Nigerians storm streets of New York , urge United States, United Nations to back Buhari

    Barely 24 hours after some concerned Nigerians trooped out en mass in the United Kingdom to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption fight, their counterparts in the United States of America have followed suit.
    These Nigerians, under the auspices of Restore Nigeria Coalition (RNC) were spotted in the streets of Washington, chanting ‘Sai Baba’ as they urged the Donald Trump-led government and the United Nations to support President Buhari in flushing out corruption.
    Cosmas Collins, President of RNS, speaking on behalf of the group, believes Nigeria has made tremendous progress in the anti-corruption fight as witnessed in the case of embattled Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen.
    “They are sufficing to note that since 2015, the present administration has initiated measures aimed at reducing corrupt practices in the conduct of government business at all tiers of governance. This effort has yielded positive results to the admiration of the bulk of Nigerians and the consternation of a select few that have benefited from the rot in the system,” he said.
    “Undeterred, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has carried on with enthusiasm and a determination to see that structural defects are fixed to curb the rot in the system for the betterment of Nigeria as a country.
    “You may also wish to note that the bane of underdevelopment in Nigeria is as a result of the lackadaisical attitude of previous governments in the fight against corruption that has resulted in the wanton disregard for accountability and transparency in the conduct of government businesses and by extension governance in Nigeria.
    “Since 2015 when the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari took over the affairs of the state in Nigeria, Nigeria has recorded tremendous progress in governance evident in the dividends of democracy trickling down the ladder.
    “However, the present administration has encountered numerous challenges from individuals and organisations that have subverted the system through nefarious ways and means all in the quest to portray the Muhammadu Buhari administration in poor light in an attempt to pitch the populace against the government to fulfil their personal agenda of causing unrest and disaffection in the country.

    Read Also:I am not corrupt, Buhari tells Nigerians

    “The recent case of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen who violated the law in declaring his assets as stipulated by the law has further emphasized the level of rot in the system.
    “A particular segment of the Nigerian society has cried wolf where none exist and painted a picture of political persecution, forgetting that Nigeria was on the brinks of imminent collapse due the activities of a few that have benefitted from the rot in the system.
    “We are through this medium soliciting for assistance from the United States and United Nation in the war against corruption in Nigeria as initiated by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in recent times.
    “A vivid example can be seen in the instance where the Chief Judicial Official in Nigeria, either by omission or commission failed to declare a part of his assets running into millions of dollars.
    “The Chief Justice of Nigeria as the number one judicial officer in the country for inexplicable reasons did not declare a part of his assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau in Nigeria. The CJN cited “forgetfulness and mistake” as the reasons for the non-declaration.
    “The non-declared items are bank accounts with balances that runs into millions of pounds sterling and dollars.  This is too much to be right in our considered opinion. As the number one judicial officer in the country, it is wholly untenable for such an excuse, unless for deliberate reasons.”

  • Angry Nigerians storm embassies over alliance with thieving elites

     

    Nigerians on Monday stormed the United States Embassy to register their grievances over the interferences of the country in the nation’s domestic affairs.
     The massive crowd drawn from various groups and organizations totaling over 10,000 heads threatened that next time they will be forced to shut down the embassy if that is what is required to take back the country.
    The protest letter was delivered at a rally  at  embassy of the United States of America, Abuja on behalf of concerned citizens .
    Recall that the United had last week condemned the suspension of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen over issue bodering on  corruption.
    Speaking at the well attended rally, Princess Ajibola urged the countries to support the Nigerian government war against corruption .
    She said, “The recent happenings in the country with regards to the Judicial arm of government has indeed caused Nigeria untold embarrassment especially with the admittance of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen that he forgot to declare some aspects of his assets as mandated by the law.
    “It is such a despicable act for the number one law officer in the country to act in such a manner. The implication of this is that the hopes of the common man on the street have been dashed because the Judiciary which is supposed to the hope of the masses has indeed turned to the nemesis of the masses.
    “The rot is the judicial system is such that would take the grace of God for sanity to return to the judiciary in Nigeria due to the level of corruption in the system that has resulted in money induced judgments from the magistrate court up to the Supreme Court.
    “In Nigeria, judges live above their means and see themselves as mini-gods. They give judgments to the highest bidder in most instances not minding the consequences of the actions. The judiciary in Nigeria also sabotages the war against corruption by issuing injunctions to shield corrupt persons from facing the wrath of the law.
    “It became typical of Nigerian courts to delay proceedings and convictions of suspects brought before it for prosecution and later handed them soft judgments after monies must have exchanged hands.
    “In Nigeria today, judges live flamboyant lifestyles that one wonders if they are not supposed to serve as role models in the society.
    “For long Nigerians have yearned for that leader who would confront the all-powerful judiciary in the country and God in his wisdom and mercies sent us President Muhammadu Buhari.
    “We wish to state that President Muhammadu has the total support of Nigerians in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. We are solidly behind him now and always because if we do not join hands to fight corruption, we might wake up one day and realize that we do not have any country again.
    “The action of President Muhammadu Buhari against the Chief Justice of Nigeria is an action for reclaiming the soul of Nigeria back from the fold of the devil and returning it to the masses who labour on a daily basis for their daily bread.
    “We can boast to high heavens that the majority of Nigerians are in support of this bold move that previous governments have shy from because they too also are beneficiaries of the rot in the judiciary.
    “God will bless President Muhammadu Buhari for toeing the path of the just in tackling the rot in the judiciary. And how else can we show our appreciation? The only way we can to show our gratitude is to continue to support him all the way.
    “Make no mistakes, the action of President Muhammadu Buhari is just, moral, constitutional and in the overall interest of the generality of Nigerians. But they are still crying wolf where none exist.
    “They are saying President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the Chief Justice because he is not a northerner. Some also say it was because he is not a Muslim. But Nigerians say it was because he betrayed the trust of the public bestowed on him by failing to declare his assets, which in a way proceed from corrupt acts.
    “Going by the wages and income of judicial officers in Nigeria, there is no way the Chief Justice of Nigeria would have in his accounts millions of dollars. That is impossible. We know that such monies could only be proceeds of corrupt acts ass evident in the manner of deposits.
    “If that is not the case how can the most senior ranking judicial officer in the country claim that he forgot that he has accounts that run into millions of dollars? Nigerians are not fools to believe such childish story.
    “We are by this medium letting the world know that Nigerians are 100% in support of the action of our president. If our president does not do it for his country, is it America or Britain that would do it for us?
    “If our president acts in the best interest of the country, is that not a good thing? Are we supposed to crucify him or support him? Or are we to pretend that all is well in the judiciary while the fat cats continue to grow fatter and the citizens’ leaner?
    “The time has come for the liberation of Nigeria, and there is no going back because it’s forward ever and backward never.
    “Nigeria and indeed Nigerians owe President Muhammadu Buhari a lot of gratitude for this bold step. We encourage him to continue his good deeds towards freeing Nigeria from the claws of the cankerworm called corruption.”

  • Onnonge: Centre provides US, UK others with perspective to ex- CJN’s suspension

    The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre has given an insight on the real reason behind suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
    The human rights group said the controversy trailing the ousting of Onnoghen was needless because the Constitution of the country was clear on the crime committed by the ex-CJN.
    According to SHAC, the United States of America, European Union and the UK government did not have full insight on why Onnoghen was asked to step aside.
    In a letter addressed to the Ambassador of the United States of America and signed by Patrick Akpokwu, Director of Communication, SHAC urged the diplomatic communities avoid unguarded public statements that could incite the general public given the peculiarities of the time we have found ourselves.
    The letter reads
    Please note that The 1999 Nigeria Constitution, as amended, is very clear on assets declaration by public officials. Declaration of assets by public officers in Nigeria is not a voluntary exercise. Instead, they are mandated by the law to do so before and after occupying public offices.
    The Constitution in Section 172 states, “A person in the public service of the Federation shall observe and conform to the Code of Conduct.”
    Paragraph 11 of the Code of Conduct (Ethics of Work for Public Officers) stipulates that, “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every public officer shall within three months after the coming into force of this Code of Conduct or immediately after taking office and thereafter:(a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of the term of office; submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of 18 years.
    And that “Any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or person authorized in that behalf to verify it shall be deemed to be a breach of this Code. Any property or assets acquired by a public officer after any declaration required under this Constitution and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift or loan approved by this Code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this Code unless the contrary is proved.”
    Hence public declaration of assets is best recommended so that both the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) together with its Tribunal (CCT) and the general public may work in agreement.
    Our Grouse:
    Your Excellency may wish to know that there are stipulated penalties for violation of the CCB law in Nigeria regardless of the position the individual occupies as the law is no respecter of persons.
    The case of the Chief Justice of Nigeria presented us a very challenging circumstance wherein the Chief Law Officer in Nigeria for inexplicable reasons decided to act in a contrary and morally bankrupt manner by not declaring parts of his assets. This act he attributed to “forgetfulness.”
    Your Excellency, such an act cannot be condoned in a sane clime, and even in America, Britain, and France.
    Consequently, we are at a loss as to the way, and manner statements have been credited to your esteemed persons which we firmly believe echoes’ the views of your home countries. It is, therefore, our considered opinion that such statements were not fair and maybe as a result of a lack of understanding of the issues at hand.
    For the Records:
    The Chief Justice of Nigeria is standing trial for false declaration of assets, and he was consequently advised to step aside pending the determination of the suit. But he refused and instead used all manners and means to frustrate the law from running its course.

    Read Also:Falana urges NJC to ask Onnoghen to step aside

    He was also advised on moral grounds that he cannot continue to denigrate the office he occupies because he is standing trial for an offense he committed and not an allegation. This much he confessed to in a written statement.
    What we expected:
    We expected some decorum in public statements from members of the Diplomatic communities in a case as sensitive as this.
     This is on the heels that it was public knowledge that on infraction was committed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. We also expected that members of the Diplomatic community would be sensitive enough to know that Nigeria is a sovereign country bided by a Constitution.
    We also expected that members of the Diplomatic community would not join the select few that have given some form of political interpretation to the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria from office.
    We expected that the members of the Diplomatic communities would exercise restraint in public conduct given that the general elections are around the corner so as not to send the wrong message to the voting public.
    We also expect that members of the Diplomatic community would at some point appreciate the efforts of the present administration in sanitizing the system.
    Our Prayers:
    Nigeria is a sovereign country, and as such, that must be clearly understood and appreciated by all, including members of the Diplomatic community in Nigeria. Respect for our people and values are sacrosanct. Unguarded public statements could incite the general public given the peculiarities of the time we have found ourselves. And so they should be minimized or avoided if possible.
    The fact remains that the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria violated the law and not a case of witch hunting or political persecution. And there are penalties for breaking the law the world over, Nigeria inclusive.

  • EO6: PDP charges CJN to protect judiciary from fascism

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to protect the judiciary from what the party described as the unconstitutional and repressive fascist policies being foisted on the country by the President Muhammadu Buhari Presidency.

    The party noted that the admission by the Presidency, on Sunday, that the Executive Order 6, as well as the travel ban and trailing of citizens, were devised to directly interfere in judicial processes and stifle accused persons of resources, under the guise of speedy trial, has left no one in doubt that the nation is fast sliding into fascism.

    Read Also:APC to PDP: falsehood can’t stop your defeat in Akwa Ibom

    In a statement Monday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP noted that the Presidency has initiated attack on the independence of the judiciary, using the instrument of blackmail and aspersion on its integrity and capacity to effectively and timeously dispense justice.

    The statement said, “In trying to use his Executive Order 6 to determine the process, procedures and progression of cases in court, the Buhari Presidency directly seeks to usurp, commandeer and appropriate the constitutional powers of the judiciary and then arm-twist the courts and use them as ‘slaughterhouses’ for opposition members and perceived political opponents.

    “We invite Nigerians to further note that the action of the Buhari Presidency is a direct attempt to suspend Sections 6 (6)(b), 36 (5), (6)(d) and 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “While Section 6 (6)(b) provides that judicial powers of the court shall ‘extend to all matters between persons, or between government or authority and to any person in Nigeria, and to all actions and proceedings relating thereto, for the determination of any question as to the civil rights and obligations of that person’.

    “Section 36 (6) (d) provides that, “every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence”.

    The party also observed that Section 36 (5) provides that every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proven guilty.

    It also cited Section 37 of the constitution, which stipulates that the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversation and telegraphic communications is guaranteed and protected.

    “The travel ban, trailing of citizens and attempt to regulate the processes of the court is therefore an attempt to short-circuit the constitutional powers of the judiciary and foist a fascist regime where the Presidency becomes the investigator, prosecutor and the judge in the determination of trumped-up charges against innocent Nigerians.

    “The PDP rejects this attempt by this administration to return our country to pre-1984 military dictatorship where siege mentality and suppression of rights of citizens was the rule rather than the exception.

    “We therefore urge the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, to immediately insulate itself from the evil machination of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is now trying to turn the judiciary into an instrument of oppression against Nigerians”.

  • CJN urges judges to determine political cases on merit

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen Tuesday warned judges to ensure the determination of political cases on the merit and avoid being influenced by extraneous considerations, particularly from politicians.

    Onnoghen also urged judges to shun corruption and other unethical conduct particularly in this era of enhanced political activities. He charged them not to compromise the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja Tuesday at the opening session of the 2018/ 2019 legal year ceremony and annual judges’ conference of the Federal High Court.

    Onnoghen said: “My Brother Judges, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we are all aware of the increase in tempo of political activities as we approach election year. Our nascent democracy has to be nurtured, consolidated and developed.

    “We are working assiduously to ensure that we clean our house, and completely dump the unfortunate toga of corruption that had plagued the Judiciary for some time. With your co-operation and commitment, we shall once again steer this nation to the path of transparency and good governance.

    “At the just concluded 18th Triennial Conference of the Commonwealth Magistrate’s and Judges’ Association (CMJA), held in Brisbane, Australia, with the theme: ‘Becoming stronger together,’ I witnessed collective resolve of judicial officers and Judiciaries of the commonwealth Nations to stem the tide of impunity, bad governance, intimidation of judicial officers and other vices that threaten judicial independence.

    “I was particularly happy that speaker after speaker emphasised the universal truth that, the respect for the Rule of Law remains the backbone and pillar of any democracy. I have maintained this view and re-enforced it at every given opportunity.  We must all therefore seize this pivotal moment of history.

    “I urge you to shun corruption in all its ramifications and encourage the sustainability of your determined effort to promote transparency and good governance in our body polity. I am confident that your efforts in line with the rule of law will stamp out corruption and enthrone an enviable democracy characterized by justice, equity, transparency and good governance.

    “My Lords, as the election year draws closer, your courts will be flooded with applications bordering on pre and post-election matters requiring adjudication. No doubt, election litigation is an inevitable part of the electoral process.

    “While INEC has the responsibility to conduct and manage elections, the Judiciary on its part is charged with the responsibility of resolving disputes arising from the process. We must therefore ensure that matters brought before our courts are determined on their merits, devoid of any external interference, to ensure the sustenance of the independence of the Judiciary.

    “In view of the fore going, there is a proposal for a collaborative Workshop between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Justices and Judges on Pre-Election and Post-Election matters, the bulk of which are adjudicated upon by Federal High Court judges,” Onnoghen said.

    Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu -Kafarati told participants that the purpose of the week-long conference is to take stock and appraise the judicial functions of the previous year and to resolve knotty issues that may have arisen after the previous legal year.

    He admonished his brother judges to re-dedicate themselves to the law and Constitution and continue to carry out their functions without fear or favour.

    He restated his earlier directive to judges not to grant ex-parte orders on political cases, “except in very exceptional cases.” He added that it was better to hear all sides before a decision is taken so as to avoid unnecessary controversy in the adjudication process.

    Kafarati stressed the need for judicial officers to be extra careful in handling political cases because of their nature. He added that “actions or inactions by a judge, no matter how honestly done, is capable of misinterpretation.”

     

  • CJN tasks court staff on honesty, integrity

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen has asked court’s staff to help change public perception of the Judiciary for the better.

    Onnoghen urged them always put up positive attitude and act honestly at all time.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja on Monday at the opening session of the 2018 national workshop for Chief Registrars, Deputy Chief Registrars and secretaries Judicial Service Commissions/ committee.

    Read Also:How Nigeria’s problems can be solved – CJN

    The event, put together by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), has as its theme: “Applying best practices in court administration.”

    The CJN, who noted the importance of the event’s participants in the operation of the Judiciary, urged them to put it their best to ensure the court continue to give its best.

    Onnoghen said: “It behoves on you to ensure that both Judicial Officers and Court staff work in synergy to ensure that the judiciary continues to function optimally.

    “No doubt, this places onerous responsibilities on your respective capable shoulders.

    “The effective and efficient performance of your duties will enable the judiciary to run smoothly like a well-oiled machine.

    “Consequently, your ever expanding duties require you to become court administrators, taking cognizance the fact that you manage both the human and material resources of the court.

    “Thus, you must be honest and be persons of exceptional integrity.

    “Your actions are like a beacon of light that other staff can aspire to follow upon for guidance.”

    He said the workshop was part of efforts to further empower the court’s staff to enable them contribute their best.

    Onnoghen further explained that the workshop “captures our efforts in ensuring better justice delivery in Nigeria, which has become imperative especially if justice is viewed within the context of service delivery.

    “It also brings to focus the present challenges in court administration.

    “The theme of this workshop underscores the fact that the public perception of the judiciary is largely determined by how we apply best practices in the business of the court.

    “Thus, when the top echelons of the judiciary are properly trained, fully equipped and highly conscientious, then our Judiciary will function optimally and further deepen public confidence in our ability to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

  • CJN frowns at rising case of police detention, extortion

    …Orders inspection of detention facilities

     

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen has frowned at the rising cases of unlawful detention, extortion and related acts by security agencies, particularly the police.

    To address the development, the CJN has directed states’ Chief Judges, including that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to detail Chief Magistrates to henceforth, conduct inspection of police stations or other places of detention, other than prisons.

    The directive, the CJN said, is in line with the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), particularly in Section 34 (1) and (2).

    Onnoghen also directed Chief Judges to set up appropriate mechanisms to ensure compliance with the stated provisions of the ACJA on police brutality and inordinate arrests among others.

    The CJN’s Media Aide, Awassam Bassey said, in a statement on Thursday, that the directive is contained in “a Practice Direction issued on June 20 June, 2018 on the role of magistrates in curbing police brutality under the ACJA.”

    Read Also:Killings: Police boss tasks operatives on Vigilance

    Part of the Practice Direction reads: “I have observed, and received several complaints of the horrific incidents of Police brutality, inordinate arrest, detention and extortion of innocent Nigerians by Officers across the country.

    “These incidents have assumed frightening proportions in recent times. The Magistrate Courts are currently overwhelmed with cases of such brutality, inordinate arrests and detention of Citizens.

    “As we approach election year, it is imperative that we curb these excesses through the instrumentality of the statutory powers of the courts.”

    Also Thursday, Onnoghen advocated increased application of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (ADR) by courts.

    He spoke while commissioning the Court of Appeal’s Mediation Center in Abuja,.

    The CJN said it was now necessary the judiciary to deploy multi-modal justice delivery system to ensure speedy determination of cases.

    He added: “It is hoped that this initiative will see the center grow to become a veritable alternative to the rigours of courts.”

    President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, discribed the Court of Appeal Mediation Centre as first of its kind in the entire West African region.

    Bulkachuwa said: “The Court of Appeal’s Mediation Centre would provide a platform that will encourage disputing parties in reaching an expeditious resolution of their disputes in good faith; and in a fair and efficient manner.

    “The Centre will improve access to justice, user confidence in the court system, lighten the Court’s docket and invariably afford the conventional Court ample time for such matters or issues that are best solved through litigation.

    “This is a giant stride in the right direction as Appellate Courts in countries like America, Canada, Australia, India, Singapore, and Mauritius have already achieved phenomenal successes in that regard.

    “I wish to humbly appeal to members of the Bar to give appellate mediation in this court their maximum cooperation. We must bear in mind that our primary objective as officers in the Temple of justice is to do justice; and that justice delayed is justice denied”.

  • CJN condemns attack on courts in Port-Harcourt 

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen has condemned last Friday’s reported attack on courts and judicial workers in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Onnoghen warned that such attach on the Judiciary was not only a signed on grave moral depravity among political actors, but a major threat to the nation’s democracy.

    The CJN however assured that the Judiciary will not succumb to intimidation and was determined, more than ever before, to dispense justice with the required speed, particularly political matters.

    Onnghen, in a statement issued Monday by his spokesman, Awassam Bassey, praised security agencies for preventing a major break down of law and order.

    The CJN said, from report, the Port-Harcourt attack was aimed at stopping the court from sitting and delivering a ruling in an intra-party dispute of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in respect of the Local Government congresses of the party in the state.

    The CJN, who noted with concern that this magnitude of violence could be visited on the Judiciary during a Ward/Local Government intra-party primary election, wondered what the situation would be during the forthcoming general elections in 2019.

    Part of the statement reads: “This latest act of intimidation of the judiciary and the unwarranted violence against a peaceful institution of an arm of government is quite disturbing.

    “More importantly, such show of shame ought not to be encouraged by right thinking members of the Nigerian public.

    f the enemies of our peace and democracy succeed or get away with what occurred at the High Court in Port-Harcourt, it would be a source of encouragement to them to do same to the court of Appeal, and ultimately, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whenever any one of them perceives that a judgment may be delivered against any of them or the interests they represent.

    “The Judiciary remains the last hope of man, and our judges and judicial officers are called upon to remain true to their oath of office.

    “They must remain focused, resolute, and courageous, regardless of the effort at intimidating them.

    “The Nigerian public is urged to continue to have faith in the Judiciary of the nation.

    “Any person with a legitimate complaint against another person, organisation or institution is advised to employ the civilised and legal mode of redress as contained and guaranteed by our Constitution.

    “Whoever is dissatisfied with the outcome of decisions of our courts of law has the right of appeal as constitutionally guaranteed. The Judiciary will never fail in its duties.

    “Violence, the type visited on the Judiciary of Rivers State is alien to any civilised society and therefore condemnable.”

    Read Also: Stop leaking judgments, CJN tells court workers

     

  • Ambode inaugurates special courts for corruption, sexual offences

    Ambode inaugurates special courts for corruption, sexual offences

    Governor Akinwummi Ambode of Lagos State Thursday inaugurated special courts for corruption, economic crimes and sexual offences with a charge judges to dispense justice fairly and speedily.

    He told the judges that through this partnership, “your voice to our call to give Lagos a special status of zero tolerance to crime will be achieved”.

    He spoke at the event which held at Rosaline Omotoso High Court Complex, Ikeja.
    Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, also appealed to the bar to ensure swift and seamless prosecution of these offences.

    The governor believed that the creation of the special courts would assist in expeditious prosecution of economic and financial crimes and ensure that justice is attained by bringing offenders to justice without delay.

    Ambode noted that corruption constituted a major challenge to sustainable development of the country and has adversely affected the integrity, image and business confidence of prospective investors.

    He said it is proper to classify Lagos, over 20 million population, as one of the most populous  cities of the world ” and indeed the economic and financial capital of Nigeria and by extension of West Africa.

    “This naturally makes it the most susceptible to perpetrators of these crimes”.
    He said this was why the courts are being designated special courts to focus primarily on effective prosecution of these cases.

    He however pointed out that the goal to make Lagos State a safe place to live, visit and do business can further be achieved if these specialized courts operate as conceptualized “, he said.
    He said: ” these courts are an indication of our commitment at making Lagos uncomfortable for perpetrators of such offences and our judiciary, that has always led the vanguard at combating crimes in its own way, is resolved to discouraged same.

    Lagos state Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke in a welcome address, disclosed that four courts have been set aside as special courts and that as at date, there are over 500 cases of financial crimes and 600 sexual offences pending before the high courts in the state.

    She said the courts were set up following a directive from the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to all heads of courts to dedicate some courts to determine corruption and economic crime cases.

    “We believe strongly that the special courts shall fast track the trial of these types of cases and encouraged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant bodies like ICPC to expedite the investigation and prosecution of such cases”, she said.

    Justice Oke described sexual harassment and violence as serious threats and grave danger to women and children all over the world and a crime that has become an epidemic.

    She explained that the inauguration of the Special Offences and Sexual Offences courts was aimed at enlightening and informing the public of the special attention the federal and state courts are prepared to invest in the elimination of the heinous crimes against humanity.

    Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo described as frightening of corruption and sexual offences cases in court.

    “The statistics quoted by the Chief Justice of Lagos is very frightening; it only speaks of half of the true picture.

    “Behind the figures are the faces of the affected women and girls as well as the men and boys.” Osinbajo said.

    Giving examples of real life scenarios of sexual violence,  Osinbajo said that victims of such offences should never be ignored.

    “We should not ignore the trauma and nightmare that sexual offences bring, let us not forget the girls not only in Nigeria but all over the world,” she said.

  • Justice Musdapher’s remains arrives from London

    Justice Musdapher’s remains arrives from London

    The remains of the late Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher arrived the country on Thursday from London where the late jurist died on Monday.

    The CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was among the Justice Musdapher’s friends, associates and family members, who were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to receive the late jurist corpse.

    Justice Onnoghen’s Media Aide, Awassam Bassey, said in a statement that the CJN arrived the airport at 4:30 a.m. and met with the family of the deceased at 5:45 a.m.

    He said Justice Onnoghen delivered a condolence message on behalf of himself, his family and the Nigerian Judiciary to the late jurist’s family and the people of Kano State.

    Bassey said the CJN advised the family to be consoled that Justice Musdapher had the honour and privilege of serving his country at the highest level of the Judicial arm of government and accept his demise as the will of God.

    The ex-CJN will be buried later on Thursday.