NBA decries continued closure of Anambra Appeal Court Division over security claims

The Committee of Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra State, has called for the immediate resumption of sittings at the Court of Appeal, Awka Division.

The court has remained closed for over ten months due to reported security threats.

In a statement signed by the NBA Anambra State Chairman, Barr. Mrs. Betsy Nnaji, and Secretary, H.O.L. Nzute (Esq), the committee expressed worries that though security in the state had improved, the court had remained shut down.

“Your administration’s (Governor Chukwuma Soludo) proactive approach to ensuring the safety of lives [sic] and property is both commendable and reassuring,” the statement read.

It added, “It is against this backdrop that we express our deep concern [sic] over the continued closure of the Court of Appeal, Awka Division, for over ten months on account of alleged security threats.”

Expressing its deep concerns over the continued shutdown of the Appeal Court in the state, the NBA committee noted that while security considerations were important, the fact that the National Industrial Court, located in and around the same premises, has remained open without incident raised questions about the rationale behind the prolonged closure.

“If insecurity were indeed the determining factor, it would be inexplicable that courts in more volatile regions such as Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina continue to sit without interruption,” the statement added.

The closure, according to the committee, has denied Anambra residents their constitutional right to access justice, leading to concerns about people resorting to extrajudicial means to resolve disputes.

They urged Governor Soludo to engage judicial authorities to facilitate the reopening of the court and to publicly assure the security of justices and court personnel.

“Access to justice is an essential pillar of a democratic society and must not be compromised,” the statement emphasised.

In addition to their appeal to the governor, the NBA Anambra Committee of Chairmen noted that they had written to the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, urging immediate action to alleviate the plight of litigants in the state.

The letter stressed that the extended non-sitting of the court had resulted in significant hardship for litigants, prolonged legal battles, and increased costs, which could erode public trust in the judiciary.

“The litigating public fears that if this situation persists, it may lead to dire consequences, including a loss of faith in the judicial system and a resort to self-help,” the letter read.

The committee further called on the judiciary to acknowledge the improved security climate and take necessary steps to restore normal court proceedings in Awka, ensuring justice is served without further delay.