The Lagos State Judiciary has taken a significant leap in improving access to justice by implementing an enhanced virtual court hearing system. This initiative is designed to make legal proceedings quicker, more affordable, and widely accessible for both litigants and legal practitioners across the state.
How the Improved Virtual Court System Works
Details of the upgraded system were unveiled by Mr. Musbau Famuyiwa, Chief Executive Officer of Global T&T New Solutions. He spoke at the January monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, where he presented on “Virtual/Remote Court Hearing Made Simple: Saving Lawyers Time, Cost, Energy and Stress.”
Famuyiwa explained that the system runs on the Global Remote Court (GRC) platform. This technology enables court sessions to be conducted either entirely or partially using digital case management tools and live video feeds. The platform allows judges, lawyers, and parties to a case to join proceedings from remote locations, eliminating the need for physical presence in a courtroom and reducing the logistical burdens of traditional hearings.
A Landmark in Nigerian Legal History
The legaltech consultant provided a background, noting that virtual hearings were formally introduced in Lagos in 2020 following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lagos State High Court later issued a Practice Direction to regulate these remote proceedings, making Lagos the pioneer state in Nigeria to adopt the practice.
He highlighted a landmark event on May 27, 2020, when an Ikeja High Court made history. Justice Mojisola Dada used the GRC platform to deliver a virtual judgment in a criminal case, sentencing Olalekan Hameed to death for robbery and murder. The proceeding saw the full participation of the judge, prosecution, defence counsel, defendant, and witnesses. Famuyiwa also cited how Justice Rahman Oshodi has utilized virtual hearings to accelerate case resolution in his court.
Streamlined Process and Broad Benefits
Under the refined process, a party must file a motion or make an oral application for a virtual hearing. Once approved, the court registrar generates payment details. After payment is completed, the hearing is scheduled. “Upon scheduling, parties receive electronic notifications and access proceedings through a secure virtual link on the hearing date,” Famuyiwa stated. This updated procedure replaces a former multi-stage system, cutting administrative delays and boosting operational efficiency.
The benefits of the virtual court system are extensive:
- Significant savings in time and cost for all involved.
- Elimination of travel requirements and long waiting periods.
- Increased access to justice for persons with disabilities and litigants outside the court’s immediate jurisdiction.
- Faster resolution of cases.
- Enhanced security, especially in sensitive matters like domestic violence cases.
- Improved witness participation and transparency through digital recording.
Virtual hearings are now applicable in criminal trials, family matters, magistrates’ courts, customary courts, and case management conferences. The judiciary advises participants to maintain standard court dress codes, join sessions promptly, use identifiable names, and ensure stable internet connectivity to preserve the dignity and effectiveness of the virtual sessions.
Embracing Innovation in Legal Practice
Earlier at the event, Mr. Adeniyi Quadri, Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, praised the organizing committee for the timely and relevant program. He emphasized that continuous training is essential to help lawyers adapt to technological advancements in the justice sector.
Quadri added that the branch remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote efficiency, professionalism, and access to justice, while encouraging members to fully embrace innovation in their legal practice.
