The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has described as a welcome development, the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to heads of divisions of courts to establish Special Anti Corruption Courts across the country.
The commission described the development as a right step in the right direction, with the potentials of curtailing the unnecessary delays in the prosecution of corruption cases.
While applauding the initiative, the acting Chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu expressed the optimism that the innovation will strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
“The spate of frivolous and unwarranted adjournments at the instances of the defence for the purpose of stalling proceedings is over. With Special Courts, cases stand great chance of being disposed of quickly. We had clamoured for the creation of special or dedicated courts for over six years . So, the action of the CJN is commendable,†Magu said.
The CJN announced the creation of Special Court for corruption cases on September 18, 2017 at the special session of the Supreme Court where 29 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) were admitted to the inner bar.
In order for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to monitor and effectively enforce the foregoing Policy, the CJN disclosed that an Anti-Corruption Cases Trial Monitoring Committee will be constituted at the next Council meeting.
The CJN has also directed Heads of Courts to clamp down on both Prosecution and Defence Counsel who indulge in the unethical practice of deploying delay tactics to stall criminal trials.
