“A Game-Changer For Justice” — PPDC Unveils Docket Master E-Filing System For Magistrates’ Courts To End Unnecessary Detention In FCT
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has developed Docket Master, a digital platform for electronic filing and case management system for magistrates’ courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The new e-filing software, designed by Devon Technologies, would assist lawyers to handle court records, criminal cases, and administrative processes.
Speaking during a presentation and validation exercise with legal practitioners and civil society organisations on Wednesday in Abuja, Chief Executive of PPDC, Lucy Abagi described the initiative as a game-changer that will help end unnecessary detention by speeding up court processes.
Abagi, who was represented by PPDC Program Officer, Onyeka Oduye, said: “We are committed to building a justice system that is fair, efficient, and accountable. Docket Master will help end unnecessary detention by speeding up court processes.
“Before the full-scale deployment of the system, it is essential to subject it to a thorough presentation and validation exercise.
“This will enable us to confirm that Docket Master meets all functional requirements, aligns with court processes, and effectively addresses the long-standing gaps that have contributed to unnecessary and prolonged custodial detention in Nigeria.”
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, said the introduction of an electronic filing and case management system will transform how magistrates’ courts operate in the FCT.
The Chief Judge explained that the new platform would cut paperwork delays, streamline processes, and make justice more accessible to ordinary citizens.
Baba-Yusuf, who was represented by Okolie Bede, said: “We cannot shy away from technology. It is our commitment to leverage it for improved service delivery.
“This milestone marks a major leap forward in our journey towards digital transformation.”
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), represented by the association’s General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, said magistrates’ courts remain the first point of contact for most citizens.
“They represent the face of justice, if we can get the magistrates’ courts right, we can begin to restore confidence in our justice system,” the NBA president said.
