All cases must be heard on fixed dates, CJN insists

Supreme Court begins publication of three-month course list on website

CHIEF Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, has directed courts to hear and determine all matter assigned to them on the specific dates for such cases.He stressed that judges must strive to hear and determine cases assigned to them one way or the other on the due date.

“For appeals that may be discovered to have defects, counsel is advised to take necessary steps to amend such defects before the due hearing date. Everyone must come to the court fully prepared for the business of the day,” he stated.

However, the CJN also advised counsel to obtain their official legal email addresses if they have not already done so, saying counsel can access legal mails at legalmail.nigerianbar.ng and send appeal/motion details to scn/lit.reg.@courts.gov.ng.

Meanwhile, following a directive of the CJN, the Supreme Court has commenced the publication of its course list for up to three months on its website – www.supremecourt.gov.ng.

The apex court has in the past, published weekly course lists and rulings on applications from Chamber Sitting on the said website.The new policy, according to the CJN, is to ensure speedy dispensation of justice, even as the publication will enable counsel to prepare adequately ahead of hearings.Onnoghen stressed that so far, the Supreme Court diary is filled with appeals set down for hearing up to 2021, adding that the appeals would be heard and judgments delivered as necessary and in accordance with court rules.He noted that the development has taken care of unnecessary adjournments arising from lack of diligent prosecution, poor preparations or non-appearance by counsel.