Supreme Court reviewing all pending appeals for irregularities — CJN

…as apex court goes fully digital, warns against uploading forged documents

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA— The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday disclosed that the Supreme Court is currently undertaking a comprehensive review and verification of all appeals pending before it, as well as related records within its Registry.

She said the exercise is intended to strengthen confidence in the integrity of the court’s processes, identify any irregularities where they exist, and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken in accordance with the law and established procedures.

The CJN spoke after the Supreme Court officially went fully digital with the commencement of mandatory uploads of electronic copies of court processes and records of appeal.

The apex court also launched its Practice Directions, 2026, and implemented the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS).

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that the development represents a decisive step taken by the judiciary in establishing a secure, efficient, and sustainable digital infrastructure equipped to meet the evolving demands of judicial administration.

According to the CJN, the digitized procedure will improve case management, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and enhance the overall efficiency of justice delivery at the Supreme Court by improving the speed, accessibility, and integrity of appellate processes.

She said: “This initiative forms part of the Nigerian Judiciary’s broader vision of institutional reform aimed at building a modern, innovative and technologically resilient justice system.

“It reflects our determination not merely to keep pace with global developments, but to ensure that the Supreme Court continues to discharge its constitutional responsibilities efficiently, transparently and in a manner that responds to the realities of the digital age while remaining firmly anchored in the enduring principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law.

“The launch of the NCMS marks far more than the introduction of a new technological platform. It signifies a defining milestone in the continuing evolution of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and reaffirms our commitment to building a Court that is better equipped to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people in the twenty-first century.

“As the apex court of the federation, the Supreme Court has both the privilege and the responsibility of setting institutional standards that advance the administration of justice across the country.

“The successful implementation of the NCMS therefore establishes an important model for its adoption by other courts, fostering greater efficiency, improving access to justice and strengthening public confidence in the justice delivery system throughout Nigeria.”

However, she stressed that the success of the project will depend not only on the technology itself but also on the willingness of stakeholders to embrace change, adapt to new methods of working, and remain steadfast in a shared commitment to a more efficient, transparent and accountable Supreme Court.

She warned that the court will view any attempt to upload forged, altered, unauthorised or otherwise irregular processes with the utmost seriousness.

“I must emphasise that technological innovation cannot succeed in the absence of professional integrity. The administration of justice depends fundamentally upon the honesty, ethical conduct and professionalism of all stakeholders, including judicial officers, court personnel and members of the legal profession.

“The transition from a paper-based system to a digital environment does not diminish these obligations; rather, it heightens them. Technology is only as reliable as those entrusted with its use.

“The success of this initiative will therefore depend substantially on the cooperation, diligence and professionalism of members of the Bar.

“Counsel are enjoined to ensure that only authentic and duly authorised processes are uploaded onto the platform, and only in matters in which they have been properly briefed and instructed.

“The court expects strict compliance with the Practice Directions and the highest standards of professional responsibility in the use of the platform.

“The court will view any attempt to upload forged, altered, unauthorised or otherwise irregular processes with the utmost seriousness. Any such misconduct will attract the appropriate legal, regulatory and disciplinary consequences.

“The integrity of the court’s records is fundamental and must remain beyond reproach,” the CJN added.

While the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, pledged the commitment of lawyers to fully utilize the apex court’s digital infrastructure, the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah, who is the Chairman of the Judicial Information Technology Policy Committee (JITPO-COM), said the NCMS is designed to enable cases to move seamlessly from all rungs of courts in the country to the Supreme Court.

“As a result, delays in compiling records of appeal, loss of documents and records, and the many other inefficiencies bedeviling the paper-based system shall be eliminated.

“Cases will move electronically by the push of a button to all levels. Furthermore, the NCMS e-filing enables lawyers to easily file cases in all the superior courts in Nigeria from wherever their practices are physically based,” Justice Zannah added.

The apex court disclosed that the implementation of the digitized system would be undertaken in a structured and carefully managed manner to ensure a seamless transition while minimising disruption to its judicial operations.

It said the first phase, which will focus on the mandatory uploading of electronic copies of processes and records in pending appeals, will initially apply to appeals scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026.

The second phase will involve the electronic filing of processes, which will ultimately transform the manner in which appeals and applications are initiated and managed before the Supreme Court.

It said the phased approach has been deliberately adopted to enable the Court, members of the Bar, and Registry personnel to adapt progressively to the new platform while allowing continuous monitoring, evaluation and refinement throughout the implementation process.

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