Ondo lawyers fault e-filing system, raise concerns over remand procedures
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has criticised the implementation of the electronic filing system in Ondo State, saying it has failed to eliminate cumbersome manual procedures despite the introduction of online services.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué signed by the branch Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, and Secretary, Oluwanike Omotayo, after its monthly general meeting held on October 29, 2026, at the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Oke-Eda, Akure.
According to the lawyers, the e-filing system has largely become an online payment platform, as legal practitioners and litigants are still required to print and submit hard copies of documents already uploaded electronically. They also identified network failures, frequent system downtime and shortages of registry materials as factors contributing to delays in court processes.
The branch called for a comprehensive overhaul of the system to make it fully electronic. It also recommended exempting urgent ex parte applications from compulsory e-filing where technical difficulties could prevent timely judicial intervention.
Beyond the e-filing challenges, the lawyers expressed concern over alleged shortcomings in remand proceedings, particularly the implementation of the Ondo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015. They insisted that applications for the detention of suspects must be properly scrutinised and determined strictly on their legal merits, without fear of administrative consequences.
To address these concerns, the NBA resolved to seek a meeting with the Chief Judge of Ondo State, alongside senior lawyers and former branch chairmen. The proposed engagement is expected to address remand procedures, delays in case assignments, e-filing challenges and concerns about judicial independence.
Meanwhile, the branch constituted a three-member committee chaired by Banjo Ayenakin, with Ibukun Fasanmi as secretary and Adetiloye Victor Ajayi as a member, to document the shortcomings of the e-filing system and investigate delays in processing title documents. It also called for the deployment of more lawyers from the state Ministry of Justice to the Amotekun Corps to strengthen the legal review of charges and court processes.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and the efficient administration of justice, urging the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice and security agencies to collaborate with the bar in resolving the identified challenges.
