LAGOS – In a massive push to decongest the appellate docket, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, announced on Monday the commencement of a special one-week court session in Lagos aimed at hearing 360 pending appeals.
The exercise brings together 40 Justices drawn from various divisions across Nigeria, organized into 16 specialized panels. This intensive legal “marathon” forms a core part of the activities celebrating the Court of Appeal’s 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee).
Tackling the “Heavy Burden” of Litigation
Justice Dongban-Mensem emphasized that the choice of Lagos for this special session was deliberate, citing the state’s position as the commercial hub of Nigeria and the resulting high volume of appellate litigation.
“Today’s sitting reflects the court’s deliberate commitment to enhancing efficiency by addressing the growing volume of appeals,” the President stated during the opening ceremony.
She issued a stern warning to legal practitioners, making it clear that the week would be one of rigorous work rather than ceremony.
- Preparedness: Lawyers and litigants were urged to ensure cases are “ripe for hearing.”
- No Casualties: “This is not a vacation,” Justice Dongban-Mensem cautioned. “Counsel must come fully prepared so we can maximize this opportunity.”
A Call for Public and Professional Cooperation
The Justice also addressed the broader ecosystem of justice, reminding the public and the press that judicial outcomes depend heavily on the quality of evidence and participation.
“Judges are not magicians. They need evidence and honest participation for justice to be done,” she noted, while calling for accurate media reporting to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
The Bar Responds: Calls for Funding and Infrastructure
Representing the Bar, human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, lauded the initiative as a proactive step toward clearing backlogs. He assured the 16 panels of the full cooperation of legal counsel to ensure an “expeditious hearing of all pending cases.”
However, Adegboruwa also used the platform to highlight systemic challenges facing the bench, including:
- Inadequate Funding: Calling for a significant boost in the judicial budget.
- Infrastructure Deficits: Describing improved physical and digital facilities as “essential” for the effective delivery of justice.
The special session is expected to run through Friday, January 23, 2026, marking one of the largest simultaneous sittings of appellate justices in the state’s history.
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