Ogun CJ Directs Expeditious Attention To Urgent Matters, Bail And Fundamental Rights In New Practice Direction

Against the backdrop of the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) shutting down all courts in Nigeria except in urgent and time-bound matters, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice M. A. Dipeolu, has released a Practice Direction specifying matters that should be given priority during the lock-down period.

The Practice Direction which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL) is is dated 1st day of May, 2020 signed by the Chief Judge himself and made Pursuant to Section 174 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), section 506 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ogun State, 2017, Order 45 Rules 1, 2 and 3 of the Ondo State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2014 and section 52 of the High Court Law, Laws of Ogun State, 2006, and all other powers enabling him in that behalf

It provides that:

“… The following matters shall be given expeditious attention and determination during the period of suspension of court sittings:

“1. All applications made by Motions Exparte in criminal and civil matters relating to urgent matters

“2. Bail applications pending and those that will be filed during the period

“3. Matters involving Enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights in which the Applicant is under incarceration or in police custody

“4. Matters relating to remand of Defendant(s) under section 306 to 312 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the Magistrate’s Court

“5. All matters that are time bound shall be taken during the period”