Court of Appeal President Holds Special Sitting In Lagos To Clear 360-Case Backlog

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.