•Says courts must embrace technology, innovations
By Gabriel Dike and Godwin Tea, Abuja
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has affirmed unwavering commitment of the judiciary to justice, accountability and national unity amidst consequences of terrorism and atrocious crimes.
Kekere-Ekun made the assertion yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of the “Building the Capacity of the Nigerian Judicial Sector to Prosecute, Defend and Adjudicate Terrorism and Atrocity Cases” project.
The programme was organised by the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC), with support from the United States Government.
Speaking at another event held at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos Special Public Lecture, titled: “Justice in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for an Efficient and Accessible Judiciary in Nigeria,” she admonished that for the judiciary to remain relevant, respected and responsive, the court must evolve, it must embrace digital technology in delivering judgment and other legal issues.
She insisted that the court must shed layers of inefficiency that distance it from the people, and embrace innovations that bring justice closer to the doorstep of every Nigeria.
The CJN pledged to continue to work with stakeholders, within and beyond the judiciary to ensure that the courts were not left behind in the digital revolution.
She assured that the courts would lead from the front, building a judiciary that is not only fit for the future, but worthy of the trust and aspirations of every Nigerian.
She added: “My vision is for a judiciary that upholds its sacred mandate with dignity, but also evolves with the demands of a rapidly changing society.
“A judiciary that is not left behind by the digital wave sweeping across sectors, but one that leads by example in using technology to serve the people better.”
At the Abuja event, the CJN said the project was not only a resolve to strengthen the rule of law but also a shared aspiration to protect the values that define a just and humane society.
“In recent years, our nation has continued to grapple with devastating consequences of terrorism and atrocity crimes. These acts of violence and large-scale human rights abuses do more than destroy lives; they threaten the very fabric of our national unity, undermine public trust and challenge the foundations of peace and order,” she said.
The CJN said that during these deeply challenging times, the judiciary must serve as a sentinel of justice, a guardian of accountability and a beacon of hope for victims and communities alike.
According to her, the project is more than a response to a national security imperative as it is also a testament to an enduring commitment to justice, fairness and human dignity.
She further said that through the effective prosecution of terrorism and atrocity-related cases, the judiciary not only protects lives and property, but also dismantles the climate of impunity that emboldens such crimes.
“The judiciary, by delivering fair, impartial and timely decisions, sends a clear message that justice will be done and that no one is above the law.”
She commended the United States Government for supporting the project, saying it was a reaffirmation of the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s dedication to justice and security.
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho decried the incessant acts of terrorism and atrocious crimes perpetuated in the country.
Tsoho said the psychological scars from the acts were deep, just as the economic impact was immeasurable.
“As a nation, we have a solemn duty to ensure that those who commit these atrocities are brought to justice and that their victims find solace in the knowledge that accountability prevails.”
He also said that the federal high court, by virtue of its jurisdiction over terrorism financing and other related offences, had a significant role in the fight against terrorism and atrocious crimes.
He, however, said the unique nature of terrorism and atrocious crimes presented distinct challenges that demanded specialised knowledge, enhanced skills and robust institutional support.
“This is precisely where the capacity building programme becomes indispensable because it is not merely training but an investment in the future of our justice system.
“It is a strategic imperative to equip our judicial officers and supporting personnel with the necessary tools to effectively and efficiently handle these sensitive cases,” he said.
The Country Director of NCSC, Mrs. Ugonna Ezekwem, affirmed that the centre was fully ready to implement the project to build a resilient, efficient and effective judiciary that would tackle terrorism and atrocity-related cases.
A key aspect of the event was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs United States Embassy, Nigeria and the Federal High Court.
In his speech, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, tasked the judiciary to embrace digital technology for easy delivery of judgement.
He said the state judiciary was ready to lead the transformation of the legal profession in the country.
He explained that the state judiciary carried out reforms to ensure smooth operation of the legal system.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun, disclosed that judges had become endangered species because of the volume work they handle and advised lawyers not to join politicians to kill the legal profession.
Chairman of the lecture, Prof. Akin Oyebode, said unlike other developed countries, the judiciary system in Nigeria was behind in the application of digital technology.
He said law and technology are interwoven thus judges and lawyers must embrace digital technology to ease their judiciary duties.
In her remarks, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the lecture as timely and stressed the need for the judiciary to embrace digital innovations.