Abuja: The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has affirmed the unwavering commitment of the judiciary to justice, accountability, and national unity amidst consequences of terrorism and atrocious crimes. Kekere-Ekun made the assertion on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the 'Building the Capacity of the Nigerian Judicial Sector to Prosecute, Defend and Adjudicate Terrorism and Atrocity Cases' project.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme was organised by the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC), with support from the United States government. The CJN, represented by Justice Muhammad Garba, stated that the project was not only a resolve to strengthen the rule of law but also a shared aspiration to protect the values that define a just and humane society. She emphasized the importance of the judiciary serving as a sentinel of justice, a guardian of accountability, and a beacon of hope for victims and communities alike.
The CJN highlighted that through the effective prosecution of terrorism and atrocity-related cases, the judiciary not only protects lives and property but also dismantles the climate of impunity that emboldens such crimes. She praised the United States government for supporting the project, noting it as a reaffirmation of the international community's confidence in Nigeria's dedication to justice and security.
Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, expressed concern over the continuous acts of terrorism and atrocious crimes in the country. He stressed the psychological and economic impacts of these crimes and the nation's duty to ensure justice and accountability prevail. Tsoho pointed out the unique challenges posed by terrorism and atrocity crimes, necessitating specialised knowledge and robust institutional support, which the capacity-building programme aims to address.
Mrs. Ugonna Ezekwem, the Country Director of NCSC, assured that the centre was fully prepared to implement the project to build a resilient, efficient, and effective judiciary capable of tackling terrorism and atrocity-related cases. The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs United States Embassy, Nigeria, and the Federal High Court. Other stakeholders supporting the project included the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, and the Controller-General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche.