Petitions, applications for transfer of cases must be accompanied by affidavits- FCT CJ

The FCT Chief Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, says henceforth, petitions and applications for transfer of cases must be accompanied by affidavit, verifying the facts and allegations.

Bello, who spoke on Monday in Abuja, during a ceremony to mark the commencement the 2017/2018 new legal year, said the measure would ensure transparency and enhance the integrity of the system.

He said that the measure would further ensure that in the determination of such complaints, the interest of everyone would be taken into consideration.

“As before, we are doing those little things which we believe can foster change, these issues are so important that we continue to hammer on them.

“We are committed to do all that it takes to enhance the confidence, competence and independence of the judiciary, for these are fundamental imperatives that can drive positive change around our administration of criminal justice,“ he said.

Bello also announced that the FCT High Court, Kuje has been designated as a full criminal trial division to handle criminal cases.

He said that the choice of Kuje High Court became necessary because of the advantage of its proximity to Kuje Prison.

“One of the most daunting challenges of the prison authorities is the movement of inmates and this move will make it easier for the authorities,’’ he said.

Bello said that the task ahead would require all the needed skills for quick dispensation of justices, “if we are to traverse it successfully.”

According to him, “it will require everyone involved in the administration of justice to re-examine the way we conduct our affairs with a determination to make this year better and more productive.

He assured that the FCT judiciary would not at this time in its history compromise the essential constitutional principles upon which it thrives.
“The duties of the court as enshrined in Chapter 6 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), are forever alive, and we shall continue to take critical look at the constitutional mandate and do all that is necessary for the wheel of justice to grind ceaselessly,” he said.
Bello said one of the reforms he undertook in 2016/2017 legal year was to sign into effect the practice direction on the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

He said that the practice was expected to bring more discipline to the criminal trial process.

According to him, “the overriding objective of the direction is to ensure efficiency and speed in the case management of criminal trials, protecting the interest and fundamental human rights of defendants, victims, among others.’’