By Vivian Okejeme
Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (NJC), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has revealed that 1, 124 (One Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-nine) corruption cases have so far been received from the various jurisdictions across the country.
The CJN made this revelation at the formal inauguration of the Corruption and other Financial Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) at the complex of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
He said the committee was formed as part of the commitment of the Judiciary to lend support to the efforts of the present regime, to rid the nation of corruption. He promised that all aspects of judicial duties would be scrutinised, improved and re-aligned towards reform.
He explained that all the institutions of the Judiciary and heads of all the courts have been advised to provide the committee with all the necessary information and support to enable it make decisions from informed perspective.
In his speech, he stated that Justice Ayo Salami should have headed the committee but withdrew on personal ground.
He hoped that the respected judicial officer will be available for other national judicial assignments in the near future.
Onnoghe explained that the choice of the members of the committee was purely on merit and recognition of their track records of service to their fatherland, as well as contributions to the development of the country’s law and jurisprudence.
The newly constituted committee is expected to among other things propose Practice Direction, for consideration and approval of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, in order to compliment the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and serve as a guide to as well as applicable Rules in all Courts designated for corruption cases.
He advised the prosecution and defence counsel to shun all unethical antics employed to delay hearing and determination of corruption cases as Heads of Courts have been directed to report such counsel.
He added that such counsel will be referred to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (in the case of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria) or the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (in the case of other Legal Practitioners) for staff disciplinary measures.
In his responds, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Justice Suleiman Galadima, on behalf of the members, expressed his appreciation to the CJN for inviting them to serve the nation.
