Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, has expressed concern over the rising backlog of cases at the appellate court, highlighting the continued dominance of electoral disputes on the court’s docket. Speaking at the opening of the Court of Appeal’s 2025/2026 Legal Year, she urged lawyers to promote amicable settlements through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to ease congestion.
“Although the general elections are behind us, electoral litigation remains a major feature of our docket. Post-election disputes from governorship and legislative contests continue to flood the court, draining our limited resources. Democracy cannot flourish if every electoral contest is dragged into the courtroom,” Justice Dongban-Mensem stated.
During the 2024/2025 legal year, the Court of Appeal received 5,225 appeals and 9,906 motions. Of these, 3,193 appeals and 5,623 motions were heard and determined, with 2,503 appeals dismissed and 690 allowed. As of October 31, 2025, the court has 31,618 appeals and 3,382 motions pending—a notable improvement from the 41,952 pending appeals in 2023/2024, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the justices.
The President attributed the court’s progress to the professionalism and commitment of the justices, emphasizing openness, respect for litigants, and protection of rights. She also highlighted the role of ADR in reducing congestion, revealing that the Court of Appeal Mediation Centre handled 121 mediation matters across Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Jos, with 34 successfully resolved and 61 still pending.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, lauded the court’s introduction of special sittings to ease case delays, describing the initiative as a demonstration of responsiveness to public concerns. He acknowledged recent public scrutiny of the judiciary, noting that criticism—whether fair or not—underscores the delicate balance between judicial authority, public trust, and perception.
Fagbemi also emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in national stability amid rising insecurity, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes. “The judiciary, as guardian of justice and custodian of the rule of law, must contribute to national efforts against insecurity,” he said, praising the Court of Appeal’s special sittings as a commitment to timely justice and public confidence.
Culled: Barrister.ng