The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in remand proceedings and persistent failures affecting the electronic filing system in Ondo State.
The association warned that shortcomings in the handling of remand applications could undermine fundamental rights and the personal liberty of suspects awaiting trial.
It also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s electronic filing system, arguing that the current arrangement has failed to deliver the efficiency expected of a digital court process.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued after the branch’s monthly general meeting and signed by its Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, and Secretary, Oluwanike Omotayo.
According to the communiqué, lawyers and litigants are still required to print and physically submit court documents at registries despite making online payments and uploading the processes electronically.
The NBA identified recurring network failures, system downtime and shortages of essential registry materials as major obstacles slowing down court filings.
It described the arrangement as largely an electronic payment platform rather than a fully integrated e-filing system.
The association consequently called for an end-to-end electronic filing process, insisting that lawyers should no longer be compelled to submit hard copies of documents already uploaded to the platform.
It recommended that where physical copies are required for court records or service, registry officials should generate them directly from the uploaded documents.
The NBA also advocated exemptions for urgent ex parte applications from mandatory electronic filing requirements, warning that technical or administrative difficulties should not prevent applications requiring immediate judicial attention.
NBA Questions Ondo Remand Procedures
Beyond the technological challenges, the association expressed concern over the handling of remand applications under the Ondo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015.
It alleged that some applications for remand were not subjected to adequate scrutiny to establish their legal and factual justification.
The lawyers also raised concerns over reported remarks attributed to some judicial officers suggesting fears of possible administrative consequences when deciding whether to refuse remand applications.
The association maintained that decisions affecting personal liberty must be based on applicable laws, evidence and materials presented before the court, rather than fear of administrative displeasure.
It urged judicial officers to exercise their discretion independently and determine every remand application strictly on its merits.
The NBA resolved to engage the leadership of the Ondo State Judiciary to address the concerns and strengthen compliance with statutory safeguards governing remand proceedings.
Committee Set Up to Investigate E-Filing Problems
To address the challenges, the Akure branch constituted a three-member committee to document operational deficiencies in the electronic filing system and submit recommendations.
The committee is chaired by Banjo Ayenakin, with Ibukun Fasanmi as secretary and Adetiloye Victor Ajayi as a member.
Its responsibilities also include examining delays in the processing of title documents.
The association further resolved to seek an audience with the Chief Judge of Ondo State, alongside senior members of the Bar and former branch chairmen.
The proposed meeting will address delays in assigning newly filed cases, e-filing challenges, concerns surrounding remand proceedings and judicial independence, as well as ways to improve cooperation between the Bar and the Bench.
The NBA also called for the deployment of additional legal practitioners from the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.
It said the proposed deployment would strengthen legal scrutiny of charges and court processes before cases are filed, ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect the rights of persons involved.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, the protection of fundamental rights and improved justice delivery.
