Alogba

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Honorable Justice Kazeem .O. Alogba has signed a new Practice Direction for the state judiciary.

The said Practice Direction is to take effect from the 4th of May, 2020.

According to the 26 Paragraphs Practice Direction which was made available to ASKLEGALPALACE correspondent in Igboserse, Lagos is meant to ensure speedy and

(i) timely and efficient disposal of cases;
(ii) use of suitable technology;
(iii) just determination of the proceedings; and
(iv) efficient use of available judicial and administrative resources.

ASKLEGALPALACE correspondent recalls that the draft was earlier made available in the public domain.
Matters can now be filed electronically and assessed fees to be paid may be communicated to counsel through email, WhatsApp, or text message.

By paragraph 11 of the Practice Direction, service of Court processes may be effected by email, WhatsApp or as otherwise directed by the Court notwithstanding the provisions of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009.

Paragraph 16 says “Remote Hearings shall be by Zoom, Skype for business or any other video communication method approved by the Chief Judge.”