As Enugu Special Sittings Kick Off, State Govt Lauds Appeal Court, Counts Gains


By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu

Attorney-General of Enugu State, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, has commended the Court of Appeal for its commitment to improving the South-East state’s justice system.

Dr. Udeh made the commendation during the commencement of special sittings of the Court of Appeal in Enugu.

The special sittings are presided by President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

The special sessions involve 15 Judges of the Court of Appeal (JCAs) from various Divisions sitting in different panels from Monday to Friday to hear and conclude 80 appeal cases in the Enugu Division, for quick dispensation of justice.

The Commissioner highlighted the positive outcomes of the special sittings to include the resumption of Monday court sittings after a four-year suspension due to security concerns; decongestion of the court’s docket; and the establishment of more legal precedents that will enrich Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

He noted that the decongestion of the court’s docket will accelerate the resolution of long-pending legal matters.

Dr. Udeh stated that the special sittings would not only expedite justice, but will ensure swift and transparent delivery, noting that justice delayed is justice denied.

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The Attorney-General acknowledged that the numerous judicial decisions that will be made during the special sittings will serve as key resources for lawyers pursuing the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Declaring the court open for the year, Justice Dongban-Mensem welcomed legal practitioners and stakeholders to the new year, stressing her personal connection to Enugu state.

Having previously served in the Enugu Division in 2003 and 2019-2020, Justice Dongban-Mensem emphasized the significance of the special sittings.

According to her, their purpose is to alleviate the court’s heavy case load and ensure quick resolution of pending appeals.

“Having served here, I am well aware of the workload in this Division, and I understand the pivotal role that Enugu State plays as a commercial centre. These sittings are designed to ensure timely hearings, bringing justice closer home for businesses and individuals,” she explained.

During the five-day special sittings, 80 appeals are scheduled for hearing and determination.

Justice Dongban-Mensem encouraged lawyers and litigants to take full advantage of the opportunity to achieve prompt resolutions.

The PCA stressed the importance of avoiding conflicting judgments, revealing that the rigorous conference process—where Judges sit together to carefully deliberate on cases— will be closely followed under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

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“This approach guarantees consistency in our rulings, strengthening public trust in the judiciary,” she added.

She urged legal professionals to familiarize themselves with the Court of Appeal’s rules to ensure smooth and efficient proceedings.

Both Justice Dongban-Mensem and Dr. Udeh expressed optimism that the special sittings will set a positive precedent for the year, strengthening the justice system and promoting unity within Nigeria’s legal community.


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