High Court Ogbomoso digitalized, to transform judicial proceedings, 2nd in Oyo state (SEE HOW IT WORKS)

image caption: Illustration of a digital court, sourced from Google

High Court Ogbomoso digitalized, to transform judicial proceedings, 2^nd in Oyo state (SEE HOW IT WORKS)

Niyi AJALA

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The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has unveiled digitalised court facilities at the Oyo State High Court, Ogbomoso Division, in a significant move towards strengthening technology-driven justice delivery and improving the efficiency of judicial proceedings in the state.

The initiative, which attracted representatives of the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Correctional Service, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, is expected to reduce the cost of litigation, minimise logistical challenges and facilitate faster court proceedings through the use of modern technology.

Speaking during the opening remarks, the representative of the Chief Registrar of the Oyo State High Court described the introduction of the digitalised facilities as a welcome development that would facilitate the smooth conduct of court cases. He noted that embracing technology in the judicial system would enhance the administration of justice and improve the overall efficiency of court operations.

In his welcome address, Mr. Oludayo Bamgbose, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Mrs. Lucy James-Abagi, disclosed that the organisation was established over two decades ago with a mandate to promote people’s participation, accountability and effective delivery of public services.

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He described the unveiling as a landmark achievement for PPDC, noting that it was the first time the organisation would be extending this kind of project beyond the state capital to another judicial division.

Lucy-Abagi further revealed that the digitalisation project would not be restricted to the court presently covered, as similar facilities would also be extended to Court 2 as soon as PPDC secures additional funding for this project.

Explaining the benefits of the innovation, she said the facilities would enable certain court proceedings involving inmates to be conducted virtually without necessarily transporting them from correctional centres to the court premises.

According to her, the development would significantly reduce the financial burden associated with transporting inmates, while also addressing some of the logistical and security challenges confronting the judiciary and correctional authorities.

He added that the initiative would provide a more convenient and efficient means of conducting court proceedings, particularly in cases where virtual appearances are appropriate.

She expressed her profound gratitude to Mr. Seun Abimbola, SAN, managing partner of Prime Solicitors for supporting the initiative, noting that such partnership is an example of a formidable partnership between NGOs and the organised private sector.

Abagi further called on organisations to emulate the benevolence exhibited by the former Attorney General of Oyo state and former chairman of the Ibadan Bar of the Nigerian Bar Association.

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In their separate remarks, Hon. Justice G.A. Sunmonu and Hon. Justice F.B. Segun-Olakojo also commended PPDC for the intervention, describing it as a positive step towards modernising the administration of justice.

Justice Sunmonu noted that the digitalised facilities would help reduce the financial burden on litigants and legal practitioners, thereby making access to justice more affordable.

He assured PPDC that the judiciary would put the facilities to effective use to achieve the objectives for which they were provided.

Similarly, Justice Segun-Olakojo reinforced the position of Justice Sunmonu, stressing the importance of embracing technological advancement in the judicial sector to improve service delivery and make court proceedings more efficient.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Oluwabukola Olatunji, representing CEDARS for Human Welfare Initiative (CEHUWEI), expressed appreciation to PPDC for the intervention, describing the provision of the digitalised facilities as a commendable contribution to the justice system.

He particularly urged the NBA, Ogbomoso branch, to ensure that the facilities were made accessible to the intended end users and properly utilized for the benefit of the justice sector.

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Olatunji also reaffirmed his organisation’s readiness, as a non-governmental organisation, to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and provide necessary support towards the successful implementation and sustainability of the project.

Also speaking, the representative of the Christianah Oluwunmi Foundation lauded PPDC for bringing the technological innovation to the Ogbomoso judicial division.

He observed that the facilities would make court proceedings more practical and responsive to contemporary realities, while calling on the NBA to ensure their effective utilisation.

The representative of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service also highlighted the importance of digitalised court facilities, particularly in addressing the challenges associated with the physical movement of inmates to court.

He explained that virtual court appearances would help ease transportation and security concerns, reduce operational difficulties and support more effective coordination between the correctional service and the judiciary.

In his remarks, the chairman of the NBA, Ogbomoso branch, Barrister A.T. Olaniyi, described the digitalisation of court facilities as a long-overdue development, expressing satisfaction that Nigeria was gradually embracing technological innovations in the administration of justice.

While appreciating PPDC for the initiative, Olaniyi emphasised that sustainability remained crucial to the success of the project.

He stressed that the provision of modern facilities must be accompanied by proper maintenance, effective management and continuous utilisation to ensure that the investment delivers lasting benefits to the judiciary and the general public.

Providing further clarification on the implementation process, Mr. Bamgbose disclosed that the necessary administrative arrangements and other operational matters required for the smooth running of the digitalised court facilities had already been addressed.

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He expressed optimism that the facilities would commence full operation in no distant time, assuring stakeholders that the necessary groundwork had been put in place to ensure their effective deployment.

The unveiling marks an important step in the digital transformation of the Oyo state judicial system, particularly at the Ogbomoso Division. With the commitment of the judiciary, the NBA, correctional authorities and other stakeholders, the initiative is expected to contribute to a more accessible, cost-effective and efficient justice delivery system.

Stakeholders, however, stressed that the long-term success of the project would depend not only on the availability of the facilities but also on their effective utilisation, maintenance and sustainability.