The Body of Benchers Nigeria has constituted an Extra-Ordinary Committee on Judicial Matters to examine issues relating to conflicting judgments from superior courts and media trial of court cases.
In a notice sent to all members last week, the Secretary of the Body of Benchers, Daniel M. Tela, requested input from members on the subject matter ahead of the committee’s deliberations. Specifically, members have been asked to submit memorandums and presentations to the secretariat within one week.(bodyofbenchersnigeria@gmail.com)
The move comes after concerns were raised at the last general meeting of the Body of Benchers in November 2023 about the impact conflicting judgements and extensive media coverage of trials could have on the integrity of the judicial system.
Stakeholders within the legal profession in Nigeria have repeatedly highlighted the need to address these challenges which they argue undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
It is expected that the committee will formulate recommendations aimed at promoting consistency in judgements by superior courts and appropriate guidelines for media coverage of ongoing trials.
The Body of Benchers is made up of senior judicial officers and legal practitioners responsible for calling new wigs to the Nigerian Bar among other functions.
