By Peter Omopo
The Court of Appeal has listed 360 appeals for hearing during a special one-week sitting in Lagos, as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, announced this on Monday, explaining that the special session brings together 40 Justices drawn from different divisions across the country. The Justices will sit in 16 panels to hear the appeals.
Justice Dongban-Mensem said the initiative underscores the court’s commitment to improving efficiency in the administration of justice, particularly in Lagos, which she noted carries a heavy volume of appellate cases.
“Today’s sitting reflects the court’s deliberate commitment to enhancing efficiency by addressing the growing volume of appeals,” she said.
She urged lawyers and litigants to ensure that their cases are fully ready for hearing, warning against treating the exercise lightly.
“This is not a vacation. Counsel must come fully prepared so we can maximise this opportunity,” the Court of Appeal president said.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also called on the media and the public to support the judiciary by promoting accurate reporting and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
“Judges are not magicians. They need evidence and honest participation for justice to be done,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the legal profession, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, commended the special sitting and assured the court of the Bar’s full cooperation.
“We assure my Lords of our readiness to facilitate a speedy and expeditious hearing of all pending cases,” Adegboruwa said.
He also appealed for improved funding and better infrastructure for the judiciary, describing adequate support as critical to effective and timely justice delivery.
