The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended the Edo State Special Court handling kidnapping and cult-related cases for the speedy conclusion of a case that resulted in death sentences for four convicts.
The convicts, comprising three men and a woman, were prosecuted on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, among other offences.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chairman of the NBA Benin Branch, Omorodion Omoigui, said the handling of the case demonstrated that criminal proceedings could be concluded expeditiously without compromising due process or the rights of defendants.
Omoigui urged other courts in the state to adopt effective case-management practices that could help reduce unnecessary delays in criminal proceedings.
“This matter demonstrates that speed and due process can coexist, and that serious criminal cases can be resolved efficiently while fully protecting the rights of all parties,” he said.
The NBA chairman attributed the outcome to collaboration among the judiciary, executive, security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the administration of justice.
The association also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what it described as sustained efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes across Edo State.
“We recognise the establishment and support of the Special Court for offences of this nature as an important step toward strengthening the state’s security and justice architecture,” Omoigui said.
He urged the governor and his administration to sustain the initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s security and justice systems.
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Omoigui also commended security agencies for their investigative efforts in connection with the Vegetable Market kidnapping case, stressing the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the courts.
He praised the Special Court for what he described as its “expeditious handling and determination of the matter,” saying the case demonstrated that serious criminal proceedings could be concluded within a reasonable period while preserving the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
The NBA branch also commended both prosecution and defence lawyers involved in the case for their professionalism and diligence.
According to Omoigui, while the prosecution presented its case clearly, defence counsel worked to protect the constitutional rights of the accused persons throughout the proceedings.
He said the conduct of both sides reflected the professional standards expected of members of the legal profession.
The NBA chairman subsequently called on the Edo State Judiciary to extend effective case-management practices to other matters pending before the courts.
“Unnecessary adjournments should be reduced, processes should be filed and served promptly, and cases should proceed whenever they are ripe for hearing,” he said.
Omoigui stressed that the call for faster case determination should not be interpreted as a demand for justice to be rushed.
“This is not a call for justice to be rushed. It is a call for justice to be delivered efficiently, fairly and without avoidable delay,” he added.
He said the case showed that the justice system could respond effectively to serious security challenges when judicial officers, lawyers, security agencies and other stakeholders carried out their constitutional and professional responsibilities with commitment and cooperation.