Ogun launches case management, scheduling system

U.S. supports efforts to strengthen criminal justice administration

The Ogun State Government has launched a case management and scheduling system to accelerate justice administration and dispensation by deploying Information Communications Technology (ICT).

The state governor, Dapo Abiodun, while launching the system, yesterday, in Abeokuta, said it would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of justice administration with data-driven technology-based initiatives.

Speaking further at the event attended by the United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, Abiodun described the digital platform as “a legal innovation in our clime.”

He said Ogun State is the first state to introduce such innovation in the country.

Besides, he commended the U.S. government through its Embassy in Nigeria and Olaniwun Ajayi Legal Practitioners for the partnership with the state government to develop a manual detailing the new system, noting that partnership and ICT are two key enablers of his administration.

Abiodun said the government would continue to provide good governance that is based on the tenets of inclusiveness, fairness, justice, equity, accountability, transparency and obedience to the rule of law.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, said the case management and scheduling system would enable judges to have access to the details of cases assigned to them at the touch of a button from either their laptops or mobile phones.

She also disclosed that the state judiciary had established and equipped a staff development centre for the training of judges and other judicial officers in preparation for the digitisation of the judicial system.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, disclosed that the state is currently developing forensic laboratories at the state Police Command Headquarters in Eleweran and the Tech hub both in Abeokuta, the state capital.

MEANWHILE, the U.S. Ambassador, in her remarks at the launching of the electronic system, noted that the U.S. government-supported initiative would shorten court delays and case backlogs and deliver justice more efficiently for the citizens of Nigeria.

Leonard highlighted the positive trajectory of law enforcement cooperation between the U.S. Mission and the Ogun State Government to include support for the establishment of the corrections information management system and the court attendance endorsement form.