*Urges lawyers to pholding professional standards
*Reveals new buildings, e-filing system
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, has issued a stern directive to lawyers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper courtroom attire.
During the Bar and Bench Quarterly Meeting held at the Chief Judge’s Conference Room in Ikeja, Justice Alogba highlighted concerns over the increasing incidence of lawyers appearing in magistrates’ courts wearing white bibs and collars, a practice he described as improper and unprofessional.
Justice Alogba called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to intensify efforts in reeducating its members on appropriate courtroom attire. He assured attendees, which included NBA branch leaders, judges, magistrates, and judiciary staff, that an official directive would soon be issued to enforce compliance across magistrates’ courts.
The meeting, attended by representatives from seven NBA branches in Lagos, served as a platform to address critical challenges affecting the judiciary and the legal profession in the state. Key resolutions included:
E-Filing System Enhancements: Justice Alogba noted improvements in the e-filing system and encouraged further training for judiciary staff and legal practitioners to optimize its use.
Inmate Production for Court Appearances:
The Chief Judge acknowledged challenges in producing inmates, particularly in Ikorodu and Epe, and outlined measures such as expanding virtual hearing facilities and adding coastal buses to address the issue.
Combatting Touting and Fake Affidavits:
Ongoing efforts to curb touting and the issuance of fake affidavits near court premises were discussed. Justice Alogba revealed that prosecutions of offenders and investigations into judiciary staff involved in misconduct are underway.
Infrastructure Updates: The judiciary announced the completion of a new courthouse at Tapa, Lagos Island, designated for the Commercial Division, and renovations at J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse, which will house the Criminal Division and selected magistrate courts.
Power Supply Limitations: Justice Alogba addressed concerns over limited generator use in courthouses, assuring participants that relief measures, including a new generator for the Epe courthouse, are being implemented.
Expansion of Judicial Facilities: Plans to establish a new courthouse to service the Ojo-Apapa axis were revealed, meeting long-standing demands for enhanced judicial presence in the area.
The NBA Eti-Osa Branch, represented by Acting Chairman Mr. Lanre Obadina and Secretary Makinde Akeem Olasunkanmi, actively contributed to the discussions, presenting the branch’s unique challenges.
This participation underscored the branch’s commitment to collaboration with the judiciary and the pursuit of excellence in legal practice.The meeting concluded with stakeholders reiterating their commitment to addressing systemic challenges, upholding professional standards, and ensuring
efficient justice delivery in Lagos State.
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