FCT mulls establishment of family, juvenile courts

Justice Ishaq Bello, the Chief Judge of the FCT, says plans are under way to set up family and juvenile courts in the territory. Bello who announced this on Monday at the FCT‘s 2017/2018 New Legal Year, said that a piece of land has already been acquired for that purpose.

“I am glad to announce that the Minster of FCT, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, our Governor, has promised to construct and donate to us the two courts,” he said.

He, however, sought the cooperation and understanding of the people in realising the project, saying, “together we are not only members of the same family, but minister in the temple of justice.’’

He said that the judiciary would remain a dependable ally in the country’s match to greatness.

According to him, “we are determined to do all that is necessary to ensure that the society remains one, built on the rule of law and the protection of the fundamental rights and legitimate aspiration of all its members.’’

He said that every step toward the goal of justice required sacrifice, suffering and struggle.

Justice Bello noted that there would no longer be long adjournment, stressing that it would ensure speedy disposal of cases, where possible through the prompt delivery of bench rulings and judgment.

“We will de-emphasise imprisonment and place emphasis on non-custodial sentences, courts will sit promptly and by our sound principles of liberalism, adopt any other steps that will enhance the credibility of the judicial system,” he said.