Court of Appeal Kicks Off 2025 Legal Year with Special Sittings to Address Overwhelming Caseload

The Court of Appeal of Nigeria has officially begun its 2025 legal year with special sittings held across its various Divisions, aimed at reducing the increasing number of cases and ensuring swifter justice delivery.

In a special sitting held in Enugu on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem CFR, addressed legal practitioners and stakeholders, emphasizing her strong connection to Enugu State, where she previously served in 2003 and 2019. She highlighted the significance of these special sittings, which aim to clear backlogs of pending appeals and speed up the resolution of cases.

“I have worked here before, and I am familiar with the heavy workload of this Division. Enugu is not only a key commercial hub in Nigeria but also a place where access to justice must be swift and efficient,” Justice Dongban-Mensem stated, urging legal professionals to take full advantage of the opportunity for timely resolutions. The President announced that 80 appeals were listed for hearing and determination over the course of the four-day special sitting.

Justice Dongban-Mensem also underscored the importance of reducing conflicting judgments through a rigorous conference process, where Justices will deliberate in detail on cases to ensure consistent rulings. She explained that this process, spearheaded by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun GCFR, will reinforce public trust in the judiciary and ensure fairer outcomes.

Enugu State’s Attorney General, Kingsley Udeh, expressed appreciation to the Court of Appeal for its dedication to improving the justice system. Udeh pointed out several key impacts of the special sitting, including the resumption of Monday court sittings after a four-year pause due to security concerns, and the decongestion of the court’s docket, which will allow for the resolution of long-standing disputes. He also highlighted the significance of more decisions being made by the Court of Appeal in strengthening Nigerian jurisprudence.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. This special sitting will help deliver justice quickly and transparently,” Udeh affirmed, noting that decisions from the Court of Appeal will serve as valuable references for lawyers aiming to become Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

Both Justice Dongban-Mensem and Udeh called on lawyers to be fully prepared and familiar with the rules of the Court of Appeal, stressing the need for professionalism and efficiency in legal proceedings. “Familiarity with court rules makes legal proceedings smoother and ensures that justice is delivered efficiently,” Dongban-Mensem advised.

The opening of the legal year with special sittings in Enugu is expected to set a precedent for similar sessions across other Divisions of the Court of Appeal, marking a positive start for the legal landscape in Nigeria in 2025. Both officials expressed hope that these sittings would promote trust, unity, and efficiency within the justice system nationwide.