FG inaugurates virtual court facilities in prisons

The federal government has begun the installation of equipment for virtual court proceedings in custodial centres nationwide.

Speaking during the inauguration of the pilot scheme project at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kuje, FCT, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said the technology was initiated to ensure the hearing and determination of urgent and time-bound cases, using the digital platform.

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“This system would equally ensure speedy dispensation of trials in line with section 36(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides that every person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time,” he said.

“It would also eliminate the issue of difficulties in conveying the inmates to court and would further ensure the safety and security of the inmates and law enforcement officers.

“We are no longer constrained by mobility, space and time in the justice delivery on account of accommodation of the virtual court sitting facilities and deployment of incidental technology.

“Notably, our justice system is founded on the constitutional principle of fundamental rights to fair hearing that requires the court to hear and determine cases in public and the physical presence of the suspects or parties in court.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbosola, called for the inclusion of terminal dates for inmates in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act for speedy dispensation of justice.

The Minister, in his remarks, tagged the Project “Justice flow like a River”, said the concept is laudable as it will enhance the prompt deployment of justice to eliminate the delay tactics of judges which aids and gives strength to criminally minded inmates to form and carry out attacks on custodial facilities that eventually lead to jailbreak in some custodial centres.

Aregbesola said the virtual courtroom would reduce the cost and time wastage in transporting inmates to court along with the stress involved.

He said the project would aid the decongestion of custodial facilities, especially the urban facilities due to high crime rates.

Aregbesola commended Malami for the initiative but demanded that there should be a law to stipulate a time frame for justice on cases to put an end to the delay tactics of judges and reform the judicial system to eliminate adjournment of cases that further delays justice and frustrate those involved.