Lagos Chief Judge Warns Against Wearing Bibs In Magistrates’ Courts
The Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, has issued a stern warning to lawyers regarding improper courtroom attire, particularly the wearing of white bibs and collars in magistrates’ courts. He emphasized the importance of adhering to professional dress codes, stating that such practices undermine the decorum of the legal profession.
This warning was delivered during the Bar and Bench Quarterly Meeting held in the Chief Judge’s Conference Room in Ikeja. The meeting, chaired by Justice Alogba, brought together representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Lagos, including the NBA Eti-Osa Branch, led by Acting Chairman Mr. Lanre Obadina. The Honourable Attorney General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, SAN, alongside judges, magistrates, and judiciary staff, was also in attendance.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Justice Alogba urged the NBA to reeducate its members on proper courtroom attire. He assured attendees that an official directive would soon be issued to guide judges and magistrates in enforcing compliance.
The Chief Judge highlighted ongoing upgrades to the e-filing system, which have improved efficiency. He encouraged the NBA to provide additional training for lawyers to maximize the benefits of the system.
Addressing difficulties in producing inmates for court appearances, particularly in Ikorodu and Epe, the Chief Judge noted the implementation of virtual hearing facilities and plans to acquire more coastal buses to alleviate the problem.
Efforts to tackle touting and the issuance of fake affidavits around court premises are ongoing, with offenders being prosecuted. Justice Alogba also disclosed investigations into judiciary staff involved in bribery and theft of exhibits, urging the Bar to avoid complicity in such acts.
The judiciary is advancing renovations and new constructions, including:
Completion of the courthouse at Tapa, Lagos Island, for the Commercial Division.
Renovations at J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse for the Criminal Division and magistrate courts.
Ongoing maintenance across other state courthouses.
The Chief Judge acknowledged limitations on generator use in courthouses and announced plans to provide relief, including installing a new generator at the Epe courthouse.
Plans for a new courthouse to serve the Ojo-Apapa axis were unveiled, addressing long-standing requests for judicial services in the area.
The NBA Eti-Osa Branch actively engaged in discussions, presenting challenges faced by its members and reinforcing its commitment to improving professional standards and fostering collaboration with the judiciary.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolution by stakeholders to address systemic challenges, enhance the legal profession’s integrity, and improve justice delivery in Lagos State.
