The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, yesterday presided over a special sitting of the appellate court in Lagos, announcing that 360 appeals have been slated for hearing before 16 panels constituted to fast-track justice delivery and reduce the mounting backlog of cases.

The special court session, held in Lagos, the birthplace of the Court of Appeal, also forms part of activities marking the court’s golden jubilee, commemorating 50 years of its establishment.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said the exercise underscored the court’s conscious and sustained resolve to improve efficiency in the administration of justice by confronting the increasing volume of appeals across its divisions.

She said, “This sitting is a reflection of the court’s deliberate commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing the growing number of appeals.”

The judge explained that Lagos, as the nation’s commercial hub, naturally generates a high volume of litigation, placing an exceptional burden on the appellate system and making decisive intervention unavoidable.

“It has become both timely and necessary for the court to take proactive steps in being conscious of its docket of appeals.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that 16 panels comprising 40 Justices were drawn from various divisions of the Court of Appeal nationwide for the exercise.

According to her, the panels will sit throughout the week at the Lagos Division of the court and at the National Industrial Court (NIC).

“For this exercise, the court has constituted 16 panels made up of 40 honourable Justices drawn from different divisions of the court.”

She, however, expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos State Government, particularly the office of the Attorney-General, for its collaboration and support, noting that the court’s limited resources would not have been sufficient to host the large number of Justices involved.

“I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Office of the Attorney-General of Lagos for collaborating with the court to ensure that this week happens. Otherwise, our slim resources would not be able to carry as many Justices as are here today.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem also acknowledged the consistent support of the National Industrial Court, which she said had provided both courtroom and residential accommodation for the Court of Appeal.

The PCA therefore urged counsel and litigants to ensure their cases were fully prepared for hearing, warning against avoidable delays.

“Counsel and parties are urged to take full advantage of this opportunity by ensuring readiness and strict compliance with the applicable rules of procedure.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem, however, lamented that many appeals could not be heard due to lack of preparation by lawyers.

“It was very painful for me because our limited resources had already been expended on air tickets, accommodation, and logistics, yet we could not hear most of the appeals because many counsel were not prepared,” she said.

While acknowledging the attraction of Lagos as a city, she stressed that the special sitting was strictly a working exercise.

“It is always exciting to be in Lagos, but Justices do not have that much time for leisure travel. When time is set aside to work, we want to work. This is not a vacation.”

She further revealed that several Court of Appeal divisions had been temporarily depleted of Justices due to the deployment to Lagos, describing it as a significant sacrifice.

“Many divisions have been left without Justices to take their cases. In appreciation of this sacrifice, I appeal to all lawyers to take this session seriously.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem also called on lawyers, litigants, and the media to help safeguard public confidence in the judiciary.

“If we do not encourage people to have faith in the judiciary, we may not be able to contain the lawlessness that will arise when people lose confidence.”

She reminded the public that justice delivery depends on evidence and active participation. “Judges are not magicians. Law enforcement agencies are not magicians. They need evidence. They need people to come forward and say what they saw,” she said.

She urged journalists to ensure accuracy in reporting judicial proceedings. “We appreciate your role in telling the world about the judiciary, but it is important that the correct information goes out. Where there is confusion, seek clarification,” she advised.

In her concluding remarks, the PCA urged all stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism as the Court of Appeal celebrates its golden jubilee.

“Justice must not only be done; it must manifestly be seen to be done.”

Speaking to the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the special sitting as historic and commended Justice Dongban-Mensem for the initiative.
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This is an auspicious occasion and a rare, unprecedented opportunity for members of the Lagos Bar to be blessed with an array of wise and learned Justices drawn from the various divisions of the Court of Appeal,” Adegboruwa said.

He assured the court of the Bar’s full cooperation in ensuring expeditious hearings. “We, on behalf of the Bar, assure my Lords of our readiness to facilitate speedy and efficient hearing of all pending cases. It is in our interest and in the interest of our clients.”

Adegboruwa also congratulated the Court of Appeal on its 50th anniversary, praising its contributions to the nation’s justice system.

“We congratulate the Court of Appeal for contributing immensely to the administration of justice in our nation past, present, and future.”

However, he used the occasion to highlight ongoing funding and infrastructural challenges facing the judiciary, calling for improved financial support from the Federal Government.

“We are aware of the challenges confronting the judiciary, particularly in terms of inadequate funding. The Bar will continue to partner with the judiciary to ensure that this critical arm of government is properly funded.”

He further expressed optimism that efforts to improve facilities at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal would come to fruition.

“We are glad that my Lord is already working towards creating better facilities within the Lagos Division, and we pray that these efforts will soon materialise,” Adegboruwa added.