Mba Nkem, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Awka, Anambra State, has responded to allegations of misconduct in the court’s bail process.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The accusations, which came to light after concerns were raised by multiple defendants and their legal representatives, claim that Nkem has been requiring defendants granted bail to provide 20 to 30 litres of diesel before perfecting their bail conditions.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, confronted Nkem about these allegations. In her response, which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Nkem provided a detailed explanation of the bail verification process and denied any personal benefit from the diesel collection.
Nkem clarified that the court orders direct sureties to deposit refundable bank drafts in her name. These drafts are then placed in interest-yielding accounts at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) for the duration of the trial. “The bank drafts or any of the bail bonds are not for the Deputy Chief Registrar’s personal aggrandizement,” she stated emphatically.
Due to her busy schedule, Nkem explained that she assigns senior bailiffs to verify the bail conditions and report back to her. “Attached herewith for your perusal are some of the affidavits of verification as submitted to me by the sheriffs,” she added, providing evidence of this procedure.
Addressing the diesel issue, Nkem revealed ongoing challenges with the court’s power supply. “The court’s electricity supply has been erratic, and at one point, robbers stole the cables. For nine months, the court had no power,” she explained. She further noted that the quarterly subvention from court revenue barely covers their diesel needs.
Nkem disclosed that during court sessions, lawyers had suggested contributing 20 to 30 litres of diesel per case to expedite the typing of bail verification processes. However, she emphasized, “Those who cannot provide diesel due to pro-bono cases or other reasons are still accommodated when leftover diesel is available.”
To maintain transparency, Nkem stressed that the diesel was never monetized and was delivered directly to the generator. She also mentioned her open-door policy, stating, “I always invite my secretary into meetings with counsel or litigants to ensure trust and transparency.”
In her response, Nkem provided copies of bank drafts and court orders for further investigation. She stated, “I humbly wish to narrate to you the process and procedures adopted by the Court in the exercise of Execution of the Order of Court, whereby the Court makes an Order directing the Deputy Chief Registrar to verify the Bail conditions as granted and thereafter report the compliance or otherwise to his lordship accordingly.”
Nkem concluded her statement by expressing her openness to correction if found wanting in her duties.
This case has brought to light potential issues within the Nigerian judicial system, particularly regarding resource allocation and transparency in court procedures. The NBA and relevant authorities are expected to review the provided documentation and conduct further investigations into the matter.
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
