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Tag: Walter Onnoghen

  • Don’t blame judges for delayed cases, says CJN

    ….Says Executive, Legislature could establish special courts

     

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen on Tuesday exonerated judges from being the sole cause of delay in court cases.

    He made the remark while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the responsibility of investigation and prosecution rest squarely with independent bodies.

    He explained that the responsibility of the judges was to  decide on the cases brought to them.

    To this end, he said, it was unfair to blame judges for not expeditiously trying cases when judges were always seated and ready to listen to cases brought before them.

    The establishment of special courts for speedy adjudication of special cases, he said, was the prerogative of the executive in conjunction with the legislature while the judiciary only provides the manpower to handle the special courts.

    According to him, he was at the State House to facilitate with the President who had returned from the Commonwealth of Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM, in London and also to inform him on developments in the judiciary arm of government.

    He said, “I am here to felicitate with Mr. President. As you are aware, he has just returned from the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at the head of federal government delegation and there is also the need for regular interaction to keep him abreast of latest development in the Judiciary.”

    On the claim that the Judiciary was not doing enough to ensure speedy trial of cases, he said, “Now, l believe that you know, with your experience of many years of practice that there has never been situation in which any case was taken to court and decided upon and the Judge was not there to listen to the case. , or having finished hearing, he refused to deliver judgement.

    “So, when cases are not tried expeditiously and the Judge is there, ready to listen to the case, you come and for one reason or the other, you take a date to adjourn the case, and the courts grants the adjournment which is normal during proceedings, you cannot turn round and blame the Judge for that.

    “These are the basic things that everybody must know. We must all work together, cooperate for the system to move forward. But if you keep thinking that the Judiciary is the culprit in this delay process, you are not telling the whole story.

    “It is not the judiciary that would go and arrest someone before looking for evidence, it is not the judiciary that would go into investigations. No, we do not operate the Inquisitional mode of justice as it is practiced by the French. Our own is that an independent body must investigate, prosecute while the judge decides.”

    He also commended the judges for doing good jobs despite some pockets of blames.

    “So far, so good. Under the circumstances, l must admit that so far, so good.

    “It is in order to enable you know the workings of the system that l set up the COMPRECO (Commission for the Prevention of Corruption) committee. All along, everybody is passing buck, left, right and centre. The prosecutor is saying, no it is not our responsibility, we are not the cause of the delay, the investigator is saying l am not the cause, the Judge will say, l am not the cause.

    “So, the people must know who is actually causing the delay that is why l set up that committee. And it is made up of the defense counsel, the prosecutor and the Judiciary under the NJC,” he said

    Speaking on the claim that the judiciary was not on the same page with the executive in the ongoing fight against corruption, he said that the judiciary has good working relationship with other arms of government especially the executive in the fight against corruption.

    He said, “I have answered that before and l still say the same thing. We are on the same page with the Executive as well as the legislature. There are three arms of government and these three arms constitute the government. The government is not only the Executive neither is it the legislature but it is the embodiment of the three.”

    Asked when special courts would be set up to try corruption cases, the CJN said, “It is the Executive that has the prerogative in conjunction with the Legislature to establish courts under our constitution.

    “It is not the duty of the judiciary nor that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. If a special court or any court for that matter the powers that decides to establish them, the Judiciary will run it by providing the manpower required to run it.”

    He said the judiciary was working hard to decongest the nation’s prisons in its prisons reforms even as he noted that the prisons were populated by awaiting trials inmates.

    He said, “You are seeing everything being done on the issue. Next week, we are continuing with our action. But there is something you should know about prison decongestion. Now there is the aspect about the constraints by the physical constraints in respect of the prison itself, how many people were to be contained in one prison, how many were there and how many are there now.

    “Secondly, you should also know that the actual prisoners are fewer compared with the total number you see there which is mainly awaiting trial and that is where the aspect where prison decongestion is working on and l can assure you that this is being handled,” he stated.

    Read Also: Only fit, proper judges will preside over courts – Buhari

  • ICT proficiency to be considered in judges’ promotion – CJN

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen has said that proficiency in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) will soon became an item in considering promotion of judicial officers.

    Onnghen urges judges and magistrates to enhance their knowledge of ICT usage and ensure they in continuous learning as the society, more than ever before, expects a smart and efficient judiciary.

    He urged judcial officers and magistrates to always be guided by their code of conduct to enable the Judiciary retain its integrity and confidence in the eyes of the public.

    The CJN spoke at the 2018 refresher course for magistrates, organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. It has as its theme: “Promoting excellence in the administration of judtice in the lower courts.”

    Onnoghen said the course is intended to renew the culture of excellence and create avenue for magistrates from different jurisdictions to exchange ideas and enhance their professional skills.

    He said: “I urge you to ensure that you are proficient in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    “Indeed, I must inform you that e-proficiency will become a veritable pre-requisite for career advancement within our Judiciary in no distant future.

    “Therefore, it will be in your own interest to key in these reforms, in order not to be left behind like a fossil, while the rest of the Judiciary make the evolutionary leap into an automated Judiciary.

    “No doubt, technology has gradually transformed the manner in which activities in our courts are carried out, such as service of court processes, record keeping and retrieval of data and other operations.

    “I therefore urge you to embrace technology in discharging your judicial responsibilities within the ambit of the law.

    “Let me remind you that with the rapid growth of our population and advancement in technologies, the challenges of dispute resolution in the 21st Century are enormous.

    “We are therefore faced with an ever present clamour and demand for speedy, affordable and efficient administration of justice.

    “Our ability to respond to the growing demands of judicial services goes a long way in determining our credibility and integrity. “You will agree with me that we must continuously rise to the occasion in order to justify public confidence reposed in the Judiciary.

    “It is pertinent to remind you as magistrates, that you must be mindful of your professional duties as well as the ethical content of our Code of Conduct for Judicial officers.

    “It is an indispensible guide to the proper conduct and performance of your duties. The Code ode Conduct for judicial officers embodies the best ethical practices that we must adopt if we are to uphold our independence and respect for the rule of law.

    “I urge you to always take charge of your courts in the discharge of your judicial functions.

    “You must remain diligent, conscientious and imbibe the fear of the Almighty God in the discharge of your duties,” Onnoghen said.

  • ‘How Judiciary saved Nigeria from collapse,’ – CJN Onnoghen

    ‘How Judiciary saved Nigeria from collapse,’ – CJN Onnoghen

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen argued on Tuesday that without the timely intervention of the Judiciary in trying times, the country would have collapsed.

    Onnoghen, who stressed the importance of the Judiciary in the country’s continued existence, tasked judicial officers (Judges and justices) to always be abreast of the current state of the law to ensure effective justice dispensation.

    The CJN noted that public confidence in the Judiciary and its legitimacy would remain threatened where judicial officials are unable to appropriately interpret the law.

    Onnghen spoke in Abuja yesterday at the opening session of a workshop for judicial officers from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court on provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

    The workshop, with the theme:  The Role of the Judiciary in the effective development of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry, was put together by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and a private entity, Juris Law Office.

    Onnoghen said: “Nigerian judiciary is instrumental in ensuring stability in the oil and gas sector by interpretation of the relevant laws to the industry.

    “I make bold to say, without any fear of contradiction, that the Nigerian Judiciary is a key partner in ensuring stability in the oil and gas sector by interpretation of the relevant laws to the industry.

    “Indeed, the adjudicatory duty of a Judge can only be performed optimally when he remains up to date with the emerging developments and trends in jurisprudence pertaining to the oil and gas sector.

    “You must be seen to be knowledgeable in the law and be in charge of your courts to ensure speedy resolution of disputes which in turn serves to assure investors and other major players in the oil and gas industry that their investments are safe,” Onnoghen said.

    Read Also: Onnoghen and judicial corruption

    The CJN, who hailed recent policies in the oil and gas sector, said such reforms were informed by government to promote local content in the provision of technology and manpower to the downstream sector.

    He said: “In addition, the recent passage of the Petroleum Industry (Governance) Bill is an indication that the government is steering the oil and gas sector in the right direction.

    “The recent innovations in the oil and gas industry have inevitably introduced new legal regimes that will impact on the quality of justice delivery.

    “I believe that this forum will be extremely beneficial to you in the performance of your duties and by extension, the society at large,” he said.

    Onnoghen said the workshop was intended to ensure that judicial officers  were abreast of the role of the Judiciary in dealings with issues in the oil and gas sector.

    One of Onnghen’s processors, Justice Alpha Belgore, noted that the NCDMB had before now, deplored the carrot and stick approach in enforcing compliance with the local content law administratively.

    He said with the enactment of the law on local content, it was now appropriate for the Judiciary to use stick in line with the rule of law to ensure total compliance.

    NJI’s Administrator, Justice Rosaline Bozimo was of the view that judicial officers were required to posses adequate knowledge and skills on oil and gas to efficiently adjudicate on the cases that may come before them.

    She said: “This has ultimately informed the need for this workshop to be held so as to expose judicial officers to legal and technical aspects of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.”

    Represented by NJI’s Secretary, Abubakar Maidona, Bozimo urged judicial officers to be proactive in the discharge of their constitutional duties by not allowing technicalities stand in the way of substantive justice, especially with regard to oil and gas disputes, which result to  huge financial costs to litigating parties.

    NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Simbi Wobote urged the Judiciary to assist his agency to achieve its objective of creating wealth for local businesses and jobs for teeming populace in line with the law.

    Wobote noted that an enabling regulatory framework backed with the appropriate legislation was fundamental for sustainable local content practice.

    He said; “In Nigeria, we have moved from the ‘best endeavour’ environment into the one in which there is a law in place. Thus, it is no longer optional or debatable whether to comply.

    “Much of the 28 per cent local content achievement has been done, using the passion and commitment of the various directorates in the Board.

    “Our next big leap from 28 per ceng to 70 per cent in-country value retention will require change in the enforcement of the law to drive reversal of capital outflow”,

    “We need the support of the judiciary to achieve our drive to create wealth for local businesses and jobs for our teeming populace in line with the law,” the NCDMB chief said.

     

  • CJN commiserates with family of late Justice Musdapher

    CJN commiserates with family of late Justice Musdapher

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN ), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has condoled with the immediate family of former CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who passed on early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital.

    Mr Awassam Bassey, Special Adviser on Media to the CJN, disclosed this in a telephone interview in Abuja.

    Bassey said the CJN had directed the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court to officially send his (Onnoghen) condolences to the immediate family of the late jurist.

    “The CJN had visited the late Justice Musdapher while on admission in a London Hospital. He has described his death as painful and a lost to the judiciary,’’ Bassey said.

    Read also: Ex- CJN Dahiru Musdapher dies at 75

    Musdapher was appointed the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2011.

    He did serve as Chief Judge of the Kano State Judiciary from 1979 to 1985, and a member of the Court of Appeal from 1985 until 2003.

    The late jurist retired from the bench five years ago on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.

    He hailed from Bani Ya’muusa clan in Babura town in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

    NAN

  • 2019: CJN urges Judges to be wary of politicians’ antics

    2019: CJN urges Judges to be wary of politicians’ antics

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria( CJN ), Walter Onnoghen has asked judges to be wary of the antics of politicians to avoid being led into acts capable of ruining their reputation.

    Onnoghen noted that as the nation moves closer to its electioneering season, politicians have become desperate and would do to anything to attain power.

    He said: “Let me remind us that our salvation remains in our hands; so in the approaching frenzied political activities leading to the 2019 general elections, let us continue to watch the company we keep, the people we open our doors to lest we unwittingly open ourselves to ridicule and embarrassment as the politicians will do anything not necessarily legal, to have their way including destroying our hard earned reputation and integrity.

    “I therefore say to all of us, be strong, courageous, fair but firm. Stick to the constitutional provisions, the law and doctrine of precedents (stare – decisis) and you cannot go wrong.

    “Even when you are wrongly accused, as we very much are, be patient and remain assured that ‘truth crushed to the earth shall rise again the eternal years of God are hers.

    Onnoghen spoke in Abuja Thursday during the opening session of the Annual Justices of the Court of Appeal Conference.

    The CJN, who was silent on their names, said 14 new Justices have formally been appointed for the Court of Appeal.

    Onnoghen preached against corruption on the bench and urged judge to respect the decisions of the higher courts.

    He said: “As you may be aware, the National Judicial Council at it’s just concluded meeting, approved the elevation of 14 Judges to the Court of Appeal to fill in vacancies that had existed hitherto in the Court.

    “This will certainly help to reduce the work load for the Justices of the court, as well as help in your preparations as we approach election year in our country.

    “Your level of preparation, coupled with the determination of Mr. President, Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR to bequeath to Nigeria a legacy of credible election process, will guarantee the peace and stability we all desire.

    “The fight against corruption must be holistic. Consequently, we must address those issues that tend to distract the Judicial Officer, as well as removing from our midst, undesirable persons of questionable character.

    “It is my firm believes that if we identify and remove them at the lower courts, the appellate courts would have men of integrity, which in turn elicits confidence in the litigants who come before you.

    “I urge you to change your attitude towards your obligation to stare decisis. The benefits are far-reaching and far out-weigh the few and feeble disadvantages.

    “On Judicial precedents as it relates to election and pre-election matters, I want to remind us that the Supreme Court has decided in a number of cases that the principles of Judicial review such as Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition etc do not apply because election and election related matters, such as pre-election causes are suis generis.

    “There is an emerging trend whereby a party in a pre-election or election matter, after exhausting his remedies sometimes up to the Supreme Court still pursues a parallel cause of action under the guise of judicial review hoping that one of such parallel actions may succeed, thereby making the court to contradict itself resulting in great embarrassment to the system.

    “Much injustice is thereby created particularly in matters that may not get to the Supreme Court for correction.

    “Where, however, the matter gets to the Supreme Court and the right thing is done, much injustice would have been occasioned by not following the principles of stare decisis.

    “I am saying these because soon the tempo of political activities will pick up and some lawyers will stop at nothing in their effort to outsmart the Bench; so be very very careful and as I have always said, be on top of your game by mastering the principles of laws and facts relevant to the case or issues involved in the dispute so as not to allow legal practitioners to mislead you to the embarrassment of the Judiciary.

    “Always be consistent by following the principles of stare decisis and the law. If you stick to this simple piece of advice, you will not go wrong in your determinations/decisions,” Onnoghen said.

    The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, who also confirmed the appointment of new Justices for her court, said those appointed were solely on merit.

    She said: “I would also like to seize this opportunity to straighten the fact on the ongoing process of elevation of Judges to the Court of Appeal.

    “It is strictly based on merit with particular preference for Judges who have distinguished themselves by the quality of their judgements in the lower courts and to fill in vacancies created by the death, retirement or elevation to the Supreme Court of our former justices.”

    Bulkachuwa, who spoke about the many innovations to be introduced into the court’s operations in the New Year, urged Justices of the court to shun corruption.

    She said: “Sometimes back, the Judiciary came under heavy attacks on allegation of corrupt practices.

    “As judicial officers, it is not enough to simply talk about corrupt practices but one must believe in the fight against corruption and we must work at it together.

    “I therefore, urge us all to eschew corruption and uphold best practices that will rekindle and bring back trust to the judicial arm of government.

    “Let’s not ask how corruption can be tackled; our main focus should be on what we can do as individuals, or collectively as a body to address this plague,” Bulkachuwa said.

  • 29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    The Nigerian Law School on Tuesday said 29 out of the 4,294 candidates called to the Nigerian Bar bagged First Class after the August 2017 bar examinations.

    The Director-General of the school, Mr Olanrewaju Onadeku (SAN) disclosed this at the Call-to-Bar ceremony in Abuja.

    Onadeku said the students were those successful at the August 2017 Bar final examinations and others from previous examinations as conducted by the school under the supervision of the Council of Legal Education.

    He said the 29 students were produced by the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Uyo, Obafemi Awolowo University, Babcock University, University of Ibadan and Osun State University.

    According to him, others are from University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, Ambrose Alli University, Afe Babalola University, Adekunle Ajasin University and Igbinedion University.

    “I particularly commend the 29 students; theirs is the highest number ever attained.

    “They have worked hard to merit their grades after a very thorough assessment and have done the Nigerian Law school and their families proud.”

    Onadeku disclosed that 72 per cent success was achieved after the August examination as 211 obtained the second class upper grade, 1,046 made second class lower division and 3, 000 got the pass grade.

    He said that there had been a sustained level of focus and diligence among the students whom he noted had demonstrated a commendable sense of maturity and drive,  adding that some were involved in various forms of examination malpractices.

    The Director-General, while congratulating the newly called to lawyers, also urged them to make the best of the legal profession.

    “Since it is your freewill to belong to the noble profession of law, you must ensure strict adherence to its norms and ethics.

    “As you are aware, globalisation has impacted on the legal profession with the challenge of bench marking on minimum international best practices.

    “You must ensure you exceed the minimum in all that you do. ”

    Onadeku also noted that the successful students had completed the vocational training at the school as prescribed by the Legal Education Act.

    According to him, they have also met all other conditions set by the Council, while also exhibiting good manners and decorum during their training.

    “They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession.

    Read also: Law school gets luxury hostel

    “The screening committee of your distinguished body has carefully perused the records of each of the aspirants and have found them worthy to be presented for Call to the Nigerian Bar.

    “I attest that they are fit and proper persons for Call and admissions to the Nigerian Bar,” he said.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and also Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, charged the candidates to practice the profession with diligence and sense of responsibility.

    He charged them to promote the course of justice and rule of law, adding that their level of proficiency was of immense significance to the efficiency of the justice system of the country.

    “I urge you to acquaint yourselves with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and all other relevant laws as far as administering justice is concerned.

    “You must not handle a matter without adequate preparation, neither should you handle a matter, which you know or ought to know that you not competent enough to handle.

    “It is advisable to consult your seniors or colleagues in areas you know you are not well groomed, ” he said.

    Onnoghen said that the Body of Benchers, whose role also includes disciplinary committee, would not hesitate to bring to order any erring practitioner whose conduct might negate the standards of the profession.

     The Nigerian Law School has to date graduated 117, 385 lawyers including all the judges of the superior courts of the country and almost all the legal practitioners.

    The event was attended by past and present Body of Benchers, Attorney-General of the Federation, past Directors-General of the school.

    Others are members of the National Assembly, some ministers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the Judiciary sector.

    NAN

  • Angry Oyo-Ita confronts Kyari in FEC over leaked memo 

    Angry Oyo-Ita confronts Kyari in FEC over leaked memo 

    The Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, showed her anger on Wednesday when she reacted in a very unusual manner at the Council Chambers apparently over her leaked memo to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This happened before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Her angry reaction was witnessed by all those who were in the Council Chambers for the swearing-in of the new Secretary to the Government or the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the launch of the 2018 armed forces emblem.

     Many Council members were also in the hall for the Federal Executive Council meeting.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari were seen questioning Oyo-Ita, shortly before the commencement of the event which started at 10:55am.

    Oyo-Ita, who has never lost her cool in the public, was seen angrily gesticulating while trying to make her point in what was obviously a heated argument with Kyari.

    The Head of Service went back to her seat and then rose again and headed straight to Osinbajo, who also engaged her in a tête-a-tete over the issue.

    The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, later joined the conversation after which the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation was seen calming the Head of Service.

    She was later asked to return to her seat by the Deputy Chief of Staff Femi Ipaye, when it was now obvious all eyes were fixed on them.

    The drama, which lasted about 10 minutes, was witnessed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Chief of justice of the federation, Walter Onnoghen, the Governor of Adamawa, Jibrila Bindu, All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, chief of defence staff, service chiefs, Inspector General of Police and other heads of paramilitary service among others.

    A national daily had quoted Oyo-Ita, in the leaked memo, as saying that Buhari was aware of the reinstatement of the former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina.

    Oyo-Ita was also quoted to have stated that she had warned the president against the controversial recall of the embattled former pension boss.

    President Buhari had ordered last week the immediate disengagement of former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdullahi Abdulrasheed Maina.

    Maina was in 2013 recommended for dismissal by the Federal Civil Service Commission following a recommendation by the Office of the Head of Service.

    In 2012, Maina was accused of leading a massive pension fraud scheme amounting to more than N100 billion.

    He was drafted by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2010 to sanitize a corrupt pension system.

  • APDA lauds CJN’s order on special courts for corruption cases

    APDA lauds CJN’s order on special courts for corruption cases

    The Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance ( APDA ) has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, on his order that special courts be established for corruption-related cases.

    The party in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, also applauded the whistle blower policy of the Federal Government.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria had directed heads of various divisions of courts to establish a special court to tackle the delay in the hearing and determination of corruption and financial crime cases.

    Onnoghen also directed heads of courts to compile and forward to the National Judicial Council ( NJC ) comprehensive lists of all corruption and financial crime cases they are handling.

    APDA stated that the establishment of such special courts would help to fast track trial of corruption cases in the country.

    “The APDA lends its support to the Nigerian Judiciary under the headship of the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    “We commend Onnoghen and the Federal government by extension for the historic policy of establishing special courts to fast track the trial of corruption cases in our fatherland.

    “The APDA also wishes to commend the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for his unrelenting effort to bring all the persons who looted or aided in looting our commonwealth to justice.

    “We are of the unrepentant stance that corruption is the biggest challenge to the sustainable development of our country.

    “Only its eradication can return our nation back to the path of development, national cohesion and social inclusiveness.”

    APDA urged all Nigerians to stand up and expose corruption and corrupt practices in all ramifications.

    It commended Nigerians who spoke against the agents of destabilisation, while urging them to stand together and work towards a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

    “APDA rejects hate speech and hateful conduct.

    “We urge the relevant agencies to resist agents and promoters of hate speech, impunity and disregard for our ethics and values.’’

    The party also urged all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Cards ( PVCs ) and ensure that only credible persons were voted into positions of public trust.

  • EFCC lauds CJN’s move to prioritise corruption cases

    EFCC lauds CJN’s move to prioritise corruption cases

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) has commended recent move by the judiciary to prioritise corruption and financial crime cases brought before it.

    The commendation is in a statement by Spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Uwujaren quoted the commission’s Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, as saying the development was right step in the right direction.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, announced the initiative at the opening of the 2017/2018 Legal Year in Abuja on Monday.

    Onnoghen directed  all heads of courts to compile and farward comprehensive lists of corruption and financial crime cases before them to National Judicial Council (NJC).

    He said where such cases came on appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, special dates should be fixed for them every week.

    “In order for the NJC to monitor and effectively enforce the foregoing policy, anti-corruption cases trial monitoring committee will be constituted at the next council meeting.

    “This committee would be saddled with, among other things, the responsibility of ensuring that both trial and appellate courts handling corruption and financial crime cases key into and abide by our renewed efforts at ridding our country of the cankerworm,” the CJN had said.

    He also directed heads of courts to clamp down on both prosecution and defence counsel who indulged in delay tactics to stall criminal trials.

    The EFCC boss lauded the initiative, which he said would curtail “unnecessary delays in prosecution of corruption cases.”

    Uwujaren stated that Magu had expressed optimism that the innovation would strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country.

    He quoted the EFCC boss as saying “the spate of frivolous and unwarranted adjournments at instances of defence  for the purpose of stalling proceedings is over.

    “With special courts, cases stand great chance of being disposed of quickly.

    “We had clamoured for the creation of special or dedicated courts for over six years.

    “So, the action of the CJN is commendable.”

  • CJN, Kafarati not under investigation – EFCC

    CJN, Kafarati not under investigation – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Wednesday it is not investigating the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen and Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court.

    The Commission made the clarification in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a story entitled: CJN, Okonjo-Iweala, Fayemi, Fayose, others under probe – EFCC, which appeared in  a newspaper on Wednesday September 6, 2017 regarding a list of high profile persons, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi and Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, who are  said to be currently under investigation by the Commission.

    “According to the newspaper, the list, sighted by one of our correspondents via an EFCC source on Monday, was recently sent by the anti-graft agency to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), based on request.

    “It is important to state that this report did not emanate from the EFCC and the allusion to ‘an EFCC source’ is diversionary and mischievous.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, cases under investigation communicated to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation by the Commission are classified information and it is troubling how such would be leaked to the media.

    “The mastermind of this leak is out to create disaffection between the Commission and, particularly, the judiciary. The Commission wishes to state categorically that it is currently not investigating Justices Onnoghen and Kafarati.

    “While Onnoghen was being considered for his present position, the Commission received some petitions which were investigated and found to be without merit and discarded.

    “Indeed, much damage has been done to the Commission’s investigation activities by this leak especially as some of the cases mentioned are still at preliminary stages of investigation.”