A new practice directive on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibitions) VAPP Act 2015 and Trial of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Cases has been signed by Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Yusuf signed the legal documents at an event commemorating the court’s 2022/23 legal year.
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He stated that the new practice directive and guidelines on the trial of sexual and gender-based violence under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 20015 are a set of well-thought-out practice directives designed to enable and improve the workability of the VAPP Act and other related matters.
According to the Chief Judge, the city’s growing population has resulted in an increase in the number of cases filed at the court.
As part of its efforts to promote access to justice and the prompt resolution of inexpensive, simple, and small liquidated claims, Justice Yusuf stated that the Court, in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the FCT, has formed a Steering Committee, led by Hon. Justice M. A. Anenih, to facilitate the establishment of the Small Claims Court in the Magistrary System.
“I am delighted to let you know that the Committee had since concluded its assignment and the Small Claims Court, to be manned by fifteen (15) designated Magistrates, shall take off this Legal Year,” he said.
In his speech, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN who was represented by a Director of Civil Litigation, Maimuna Lahmi Shehu pledged the federal government’s commitment to the sector towards promoting the rule of law in the country.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau commended the relationships between the bench and the bar, praising the court for reducing delayed litigation and for making records of proceedings available upon judgment.
The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), through its President, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, tasked judiciary stakeholders to investigate the growing trend of case delays, while also emphasizing the need for improved welfare for judicial officers in the country.
