The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has expressed concern over the high volume of pending cases before the court. According to Justice Tsoho, a total of 155,969 cases are currently awaiting attention, a figure that has been rising despite efforts to enhance justice delivery ¹.
Speaking at a special session to mark the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year, Justice Tsoho noted that the court received 13,648 new cases and disposed of 10,148 cases during the previous legal year.
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The pending cases include 43,030 civil cases, 41,335 criminal cases, 28,760 fundamental rights enforcement cases, and 42,844 AMCON cases, petitions, and motions.
Justice Tsoho emphasized the need for innovative approaches to case management and encouraged the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
He also stressed the importance of adequate funding for the effective functioning of the judiciary.
In addition, Justice Tsoho condemned media attacks against judges and their decisions, describing them as “virulent” and “worrisome.”
He called on the Nigerian Bar Association to scrutinize its ranks and discipline lawyers who deviate from ethical and professional standards.
The President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, echoed Justice Tsoho’s concerns, calling for stiff sanctions against judges who pervert the course of justice.
Osigwe emphasized the need to restore public confidence in the judiciary and ensure that judicial officers who deviate from ethical and professional standards are held accountable.