The Lagos State judiciary has taken a significant step to improve access to justice by upgrading its virtual court hearing infrastructure. This move is designed to make legal proceedings quicker, more affordable, and widely accessible for both lawyers and those involved in cases.
NBA Event Showcases Streamlined Virtual Court Process
This development was highlighted by Mr. Musbau Famuyiwa, Chief Executive Officer of Global T&T New Solutions. He spoke at the January monthly meeting and knowledge-sharing session organized by the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). As the guest speaker, Famuyiwa presented on the topic “Virtual/Remote Court Hearing Made Simple: Saving Lawyers Time, Cost, Energy and Stress.”
He detailed that the system is powered by the Global Remote Court (GRC) platform. This technology enables court sessions to be conducted either entirely or partially using digital case management tools and live video feeds. The platform allows judges, lawyers, and litigants to join proceedings from remote locations, removing the necessity for physical presence in the courtroom and cutting down on logistical hurdles common in traditional settings.
Lagos: A Pioneer in Nigeria's Virtual Justice Landscape
Famuyiwa recalled that virtual hearings were formally launched in Lagos State in 2020 in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lagos State High Court later issued a Practice Direction to govern these remote proceedings, establishing Lagos as the first state in Nigeria to formally adopt virtual court hearings.
A landmark moment occurred on May 27, 2020, when Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja High Court used the GRC platform to deliver a virtual judgment in a criminal case. The court sentenced Olalekan Hameed to death for robbery and murder, with the judge, prosecution, defence counsel, defendant, and witnesses all participating fully via the remote system. Famuyiwa also cited Justice Rahman Oshodi as an example of a judge who has utilized virtual hearings to accelerate case resolution in his court.
How the Updated System Works and Its Key Benefits
Under the refined procedure, a party requesting a virtual hearing must file a motion or make an oral application in court. After the application is approved, the court registrar generates the necessary details, payment is processed, and the hearing is scheduled. “Upon scheduling, parties receive electronic notifications and access proceedings through a secure virtual link on the hearing date,” Famuyiwa explained. This updated method replaces a former multi-stage system, drastically cutting administrative delays and boosting operational efficiency.
The expert outlined numerous advantages of virtual hearings:
- Significant savings in time and cost for all participants.
- Elimination of travel requirements and long waiting periods at court.
- Increased access to justice for persons with disabilities and litigants living outside the court’s immediate jurisdiction.
- Faster resolution of cases.
- Enhanced security, especially for sensitive matters like domestic violence cases.
- Improved witness participation and transparency through digital recording of proceedings.
Earlier at the event, Mr. Adeniyi Quadri, Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, praised the committee for organizing the timely programme. He stated it was highly relevant to the changing demands of legal practice in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. Quadri emphasized that continuous training is essential for lawyers to adapt to technological advancements in the justice sector. He assured that the branch would continue to back initiatives promoting efficiency, professionalism, and access to justice, while urging members to fully embrace innovation in their legal practice.
