Oyo Assembly seeks special courts for speedy trial of violent crimes
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of Special Criminal Divisions within the state High Court to speed up the hearing and determination of serious criminal cases.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Dawood Olalere, representing Ibadan North-West Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
The lawmakers expressed concern over increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism, cybercrime and other violent offences, particularly organised criminal activities in parts of northern Oyo.
They noted that the handling of civil and criminal cases by existing High Courts had contributed to congested dockets, frequent adjournments and prolonged trials, delaying justice for victims, defendants and the wider society.
Consequently, the assembly urged the Chief Judge of Oyo State and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to establish dedicated Criminal Divisions with specific judges and courtrooms for serious criminal cases.
The lawmakers also called for adequate financial, technological and administrative support, including digital case management systems, electronic recording facilities and sufficient judicial personnel to improve the efficiency of proceedings.
In addition, the house urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies to expedite investigations and promptly forward case files for prosecution. It also called on the Nigerian Correctional Service to provide regular records of awaiting-trial inmates and facilitate virtual court proceedings where appropriate.
The assembly mandated its Committee on Public Petitions, Justice and Judiciary to work with the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary on implementing the initiative, saying faster trials of serious crimes would strengthen public confidence in the justice system, discourage impunity and ensure that offenders face justice without undue delay.
