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 are scheduled for hearing before 16 panels established to expedite justice and reduce the growing backlog of cases.

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

Justice Dongban-Mensem stated that the exercise reflects the court’s deliberate and ongoing commitment to improving efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing 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 noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, naturally produces a high volume of litigation, which places a heavy burden on the appellate system and necessitates decisive intervention.

“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 drawn from various divisions of the Court of Appeal nationwide, have been constituted for the exercise. According to her, the panels will sit throughout the week at both the Lagos Division of the court and 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 expressed profound 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 alone could not have accommodated such a large number of Justices.

“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 has provided both courtroom and residential facilities for the Court of Appeal.

The PCA urged counsel and litigants to ensure their cases are 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.”

She 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 Lagos’ appeal as a city, she emphasized that the special sitting is strictly a working session.

“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 have been temporarily deprived of Justices due to their 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 maintain 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 encouraged 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.

“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 soon be realized.

“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.

On January 16, 2024, a devastating explosion occurred in the Old Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, after illegally stored explosive materials detonated inside a residential building. The blast killed several residents, destroyed dozens of houses, displaced families, and caused structural damage across the neighbourhood. The scale of the disaster immediately drew national attention, prompting emergency response efforts from the Oyo State Government and intervention from the Federal Government.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government announced a major financial intervention to support victims, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and stabilise the affected community. Initial public communication suggested that as much as ₦50 billion had been approved for the Bodija explosion relief and reconstruction programme.

How Much Money Was Actually Released

While ₦50 billion was widely reported as the approved intervention sum, the Oyo State Government later clarified that only ₦30 billion was actually released by the Federal Government. Officials in the state government, including aides to Governor Seyi Makinde, insisted that claims of a ₦50 billion transfer were inaccurate and that the federal disbursement stopped at ₦30 billion.

According to the state government, the ₦30 billion was paid into a dedicated infrastructure support account domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria. The remaining ₦20 billion, though approved in principle, has not been released, and no formal explanation has been provided by federal authorities for the delay or withholding of the balance.

Why the Fund Has Not Been Spent

The Oyo State Government maintains that the ₦30 billion relief fund remains unspent. State officials argue that the decision to hold the money was deliberate and procedural. They explained that intervention funds of this nature are classified as capital grants and must be fully captured in the state’s budgetary framework before they can be lawfully expended.

Government sources also said the state chose not to begin spending the federal funds until there was clarity on the release of the outstanding ₦20 billion, citing the need for proper planning and coordination of the reconstruction effort. According to the government, spending part of the fund without certainty about the full scope of federal support could complicate long-term rebuilding plans.

What the State Says It Has Spent Instead

While the federal relief fund remains untouched, the Oyo State Government says it has relied heavily on its own resources to manage the aftermath of the explosion. The state claims it has spent over ₦24 billion from its coffers on emergency response, demolition of unsafe structures, compensation to victims, temporary housing arrangements, and other recovery efforts.

Officials also disclosed that several billions of naira were paid directly to affected residents as compensation, covering loss of property, relocation support, and medical assistance for injured victims. The government insists that these expenditures demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of Bodija residents, even in the absence of full federal funding.

Rising Controversy and Political Disputes

Despite these explanations, the handling of the ₦30 billion relief fund has become a major political and public controversy. The debate intensified after former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly alleged that Governor Makinde had received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government. The Oyo State Government strongly denied this claim, reiterating that only ₦30 billion was released.

Opposition figures and critics argue that keeping such a large sum idle while victims continue to complain about inadequate compensation raises serious questions about transparency and prioritisation. Some have accused the state government of poor communication and failure to provide detailed public accounting of both state and federal expenditures related to the disaster.

Civil Society Petitions and EFCC Involvement

The controversy took a legal turn when the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), a civil society organisation, petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In its petition, HEDA alleged possible diversion, misapplication, and abuse of trust in the handling of the Bodija explosion intervention funds.

HEDA argued that holding ₦30 billion in a commercial bank for an extended period without clear utilisation or detailed public disclosure raises red flags and warrants investigation. The organisation called on the EFCC to examine the movement of funds, the decision-making process surrounding their use, and whether financial regulations were breached.

The Oyo State Government has rejected these allegations, maintaining that no diversion occurred and that the funds remain intact and traceable.

Public Sentiment and Victims’ Concerns

Beyond political and legal arguments, affected residents have continued to voice frustration. Some victims have told local media that compensation payments were insufficient compared to the scale of their losses, while others say rebuilding efforts have been slower than expected. Community members have repeatedly called for transparency and speedy deployment of all available funds to restore normalcy in Bodija.

Public opinion remains divided, with supporters of the state government defending its cautious approach, while critics argue that emergency relief funds should be deployed swiftly in disaster situations.

Where the Matter Stands

As of January 2026, the ₦30 billion Bodija Explosion Relief Fund remains unspent, according to the Oyo State Government. The remaining ₦20 billion approved by the Federal Government has yet to be released. The EFCC has not publicly disclosed whether it has commenced a formal investigation following HEDA’s petition.

What is clear is that the Bodija explosion relief fund has become more than a reconstruction issue. It is now a test case for transparency, intergovernmental coordination, and public accountability in disaster response, with implications that extend beyond Oyo State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, ahead of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, where he will head Nigeria’s delegation to the global event scheduled for January 19 to 23, 2026.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President arrived in Switzerland from Conakry, Guinea, after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, on Saturday.

Shettima was welcomed in Davos by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian Mission in Switzerland.

Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 forum is being highlighted by the launch of Nigeria House Davos, the nation’s first official sovereign pavilion at the high-level global event.

Situated along the Davos Promenade, the pavilion was set up by the Federal Government through a public-private partnership.

The facility is intended to function as a hub for ministerial engagements, investment talks and cultural interactions during the week-long forum.

During the WEF, the Vice President is expected to present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to global policymakers and business leaders.

He will also take part in top-level discussions on emerging technologies, including the ethical application of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and breakthroughs in biotechnology.

In addition, the Vice President is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with fellow world leaders, multinational company executives and heads of international development finance institutions to deepen strategic partnerships.