Oyo Assembly Seeks Special Criminal Divisions to Fast-Track Justice
The Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the creation of Special Criminal Divisions within the state High Court to accelerate the adjudication of serious offences.
The resolution, moved by Hon. Dawood Olalere (Ibadan North-West Constituency) and adopted during plenary presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, highlighted the rising incidence of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism, cybercrime, and other violent crimes in northern Oyo.
The lawmakers 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.
