Lagos CJ unveils 4 special courts to try corruption cases

February 1, 2018

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, stated that the move was in obedience to the directive given last year by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who had stated that all heads of courts in the country to create special courts for the speedy trial of corruption cases.

The courts are situated at the Roseline Omotosho within the premises of the Ikeja High Court.

Justice Oke pointed out that there were no fewer than 500 financial crimes currently pending before the Lagos State High Court.

She added that most of the cases have now been transferred to the special courts for expeditious hearing.

“We, in Lagos State and the Lagos State Judiciary, in particular, have taken the bull by the horns and implemented the Honourable CJN’s directive by designating four courts as Special Offences Courts to hear corruption and financial crime cases.

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“We believe strongly that the special courts will fast-track the trial of these types of cases and encourage the EFCC and other relevant bodies like the ICPC to expedite the investigation and

prosecution of such cases.

“The Special Offences Courts will exclusively handle corruption and financial crime cases and others including cybercrime and other related offences,” the CJ said.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in his speech, stressed that Lagos keyed into the Federal Government’s drive to root out corruption, promising that the state will assist in the expeditious prosecution of corruption cases.

The Governor described corruption as a major challenge to the sustainable development in the state, which must be combated.

Also speaking, Mrs Dolapo Osibajo, wife, of the Vice President, said the courts will make access to justice easier and faster for people.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony was the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, who in a chat with journalists, lauded the initiative.

“I think the Chief Judge should be commended for single-handedly, very courageously coming out to initiate this court. And I want to call on other judges to support the Chief Judge and the CJN. We call on all the other Chief Judges to follow suit by ensuring to establish similar courts.

“We are going to fight corruption like it has never been fought before. This year, it’s going to be hell, for corrupt people.”

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