The Court of Appeal of Nigeria has officially opened its 2025 legal year with a series of special sittings across its Divisions, aiming to address the increasing caseload and expedite the administration of justice.
On January 7, 2025, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem CFR, hosted a special sitting in Enugu. In her speech, she welcomed legal practitioners and stakeholders to the new legal year, stressing her personal connection to the state, having previously served in 2003 and 2019.
Justice Dongban-Mensem emphasized the significance of the special sittings, noting that their purpose is to alleviate the court’s heavy caseload and ensure the quick resolution of pending appeals.
“Having served here, I am well aware of the workload in this Division, and I understand the pivotal role Enugu State plays as a commercial center. These sittings are designed to ensure timely hearings, bringing justice closer to home for businesses and individuals,” she explained.
During the four-day special sitting, 80 appeals are scheduled for hearing and determination. Justice Dongban-Mensem encouraged lawyers and litigants to take full advantage of this opportunity to achieve prompt resolutions.
She also stressed the importance of avoiding conflicting judgments, sharing that the rigorous conference process—where Justices carefully deliberate on cases—will be closely followed under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun GCFR.
“This approach guarantees consistency in our rulings, strengthening public trust in the judiciary,” she added.
The Attorney General of Enugu State, Kingsley Udeh, thanked the Court of Appeal for its commitment to improving the state’s justice system. He highlighted the positive outcomes of the special sitting, including:
- The resumption of Monday court sittings after a four-year suspension due to security issues.
- The decongestion of the court’s docket, which will accelerate the resolution of long-pending legal matters.
- The establishment of more legal precedents that will enrich Nigerian jurisprudence.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Udeh remarked. “This special sitting will not only expedite justice but will ensure its swift and transparent delivery.”
He further noted that the decisions made during the special sitting would serve as key references for lawyers pursuing the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
In her concluding remarks, Justice Dongban-Mensem urged legal professionals to familiarize themselves with the Court of Appeal’s rules to ensure smooth, efficient proceedings.
“Lawyers must come prepared. Knowing the court’s rules is essential to maintaining professionalism and ensuring justice is delivered promptly,” she said.
Both Justice Dongban-Mensem and Attorney General Udeh expressed optimism that the special sittings would set a positive precedent for the year, strengthening the justice system and promoting unity within Nigeria’s legal community.
The success of the Enugu special sitting is expected to serve as a model for similar sessions in other Court of Appeal Divisions, setting a strong foundation for the 2025 legal year in Nigeria.
