Abubakar Malami, minister of justice, has rolled out plans
that his ministry intends to effect in the country’s judicial system.
The courts have not been working optimally following the
outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.
However, in a statement on Monday, Malami listed information
communications technology (ICT) as a tool the judiciary could use to cover
“lost grounds.”
Some of the changes sought by the minister would need to be
backed up by laws enacted by the national assembly and effected by the National
Judicial Council (NJC).
“Empowering the institutions of the ACJA, 2015 to commence
functioning immediately,” Malami said.
“The net result will galvanize the judicial sector into
rapid mode to fast track trials and release of those who are deserving.
Deployment of ICT facilities to fast-track taking evidence from witnesses.
Digital platforms such as Skype and Zoom can be used.
“NTA stations across the country can be connected to courts
to facilitate taking evidence as witnesses do not have to necessarily be
physically present in court.
“Ensuring that court dockets have only few cases per day can
reduce the number of persons in courts. So, all the pending judgments should be
drafted and concluded during a short period of time. This does not require
lawyers to be present.
“Once the judgment is ready, the lawyers should be able to
receive them in their email or it should be posted on the court’s website for
any interested party to download it. This is the way to go and thus provide
greater transparency.”
The AGF proposed that persons awaiting trial on minor
criminal charges should be discharged, especially in cases where adjournments
have been at the instance of the prosecution.
“Setting aside special dates and that courts work extra
hours to decongest their case files. The 2020 court vacation could be suspended
as the COVID 19 lockdown period has provided judges with the much-needed break
from official duties,” he said.
“Having courts that are fully IT-compliant in order to fast
track the digital recording and production of the record of court proceedings.
“Appointment of more judges and justices, as appropriate.
Additional judicial decisions of federal courts are to be created. This will,
as a proactive measure, help in decongesting the already loaded court hearing
schedules.”
The minister said all courts can accept electronic
transactions and only receive receipts of payments.
“The way to go in effect, Court Proceedings should also be
handled in a manner that reduces the number of persons in the courts at any
given time,” Malami said.
“Although this requires the movement of suspects from
prisons to the courts, all such suspects should be tested, in fact everyone
entering the court premises should be tested to ensure that they are not
already positive, thus risking the lives of other people.”
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