Lagos courts now digital for speedy dispensation of justice
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Lagos is at last realising its dream of first class courtrooms mooted back in 2020 as Chief Judge Kazeem Alogba has directed the courts to begin digital swearing of e-filing processes for speedy dispensation of justice.
A notice signed by High Court Chief Registrar Tajudeen Elias spells out the mandatory requirements for deponents, legal counsel, litigants, and citizens to participate in electronic swearing.
It says all participants connected to the video conferencing session via Zoom/Skype can use of a laptop computer or tablet.
If neither is available, an android phone is another option that must be met, though the session quality may be decreased.
“All deposition documents must be sent to specified locations via email or as advised by the Commissioner for Oaths, referencing the suit number prior to the Zoom/Skype appointment.”
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Good, stable internet connection
“All participants must get a quiet place with a good background, no noise and distractions and not in transit. A good and stable Internet connection-WiFi or mobile data is also an indispensable requirement,” the notice said, per The Guardian.
“Participants must have electronic copies of the deposition documents on their laptop, tablet or mobile phone and must have reliable access to the email used to request the e-swearing appointment.”
All participants may need to send and receive documents via instant file transfer/email during the Zoom/Skype sessions, the notice said.
Lagos wants its courtrooms first class in Africa
Attorney General and Justice Commissioner Moyosore Onigbanjo had disclosed in March 2021 the courts would digitalise process from October 2021 to speed up justice delivery to the state’s 20 million residents.
He disclosed at the first virtual Bar-Bench Forum 2021 that the pandemic had affected the plan in 2020 to digitalise 10 selected courtrooms at the first stage, equipping them with the latest technology to assist judges and lawyers
“The digitalisation will ensure speedy dispensation of Justice to the citizens of the State. The interest of Lagos State citizens is paramount,” Onigbanjo said.
He stressed digitalisation would eradicate all forms of paperwork and also make Lagos courtrooms first class in Africa.
“The rest of the world is moving on through the use of virtual sitting, there is a need for us all to embrace digitalisation in the Justice sector.”
A Lagos court held the first virtual sitting during the pandemic lockdown. which was labeled illegal. but was later ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court.
