From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, has signed a new practice directions on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibitions) VAPP Act 2015 and Trial of Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases.
Justice Yusuf signed the legal documents at an event to mark the 2022/23 legal year of the court.
He noted that the new practice direction and guidelines on trial of sexual and gender-based under the violence person protection against person (prohibition) Act, 20015 are a set of carefully thought practice directions to enable and enhance the workability of the VAPP Act and other related matters.
The chief judge revealed that there has been an increasing number of cases filed at the court, as a result of the growing population in the city in recent times.
Justice Yusuf said, as part of efforts at promoting access to justice and speedy disposal of inexpensive, simple and small liquidated claims, the court, in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the FCT have constituted a steering committee, led by Hon. Justice M. A. Anenih, to facilitate establishment of the Small Claims Court in the Magistracy System.
“I am delighted to let you know that the committee has since concluded its assignment and the small claims court, to be manned by 15 designated magistrates, shall take off this legal year,” he said.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, represented by Director, Civil Litigation, Maimuna Lahmi Shehu, pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the sector towards promoting the rule of law in the country.
President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, commended the relationships between the bench and the bar, praising the court for reducing delayed litigation and for making records of proceedings available upon judgment.
On its part, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), which spoke through its President, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, tasked judiciary stakeholders to look into the growing trend in delay of cases filed, while also restating needs for improved welfare for judicial officers in the country.