The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday, said the judiciary is committed to effective prosecution of terrorism and atrocity-related cases as part of the efforts at dismantling the climate of impunity that emboldened such crimes.
Kekere-Ekun stated this at the inauguration of the “Building the Capacity of the Nigerian Judicial Sector to Prosecute, Defend and Adjudicate Terrorism and Atrocity Cases” project in Abuja.
“The judiciary, by delivering fair, impartial and timely decisions, sends a clear message that justice will be done and that no one is above the law,” she said.
She restated the commitment of the judiciary to justice, accountability and national unity amidst the increasing rate of terrorism and atrocity in the country.
The CJN said that the project was not only a resolve to strengthen the rule of law, but a shared aspiration to protect the values that define a just and humane society.
“In recent years, our nation has continued to grapple with devastating consequences of terrorism and atrocity crimes.
“These acts of violence and large-scale human rights abuses do more than destroy lives; they threaten the very fabric of our national unity, undermine public trust and challenge the foundations of peace and order,” she said.
The CJN said that during these deeply challenging times, the judiciary must serve as a sentinel of justice, a guardian of accountability and a beacon of hope for victims and communities alike.
According to her, the project is more than a response to a national security imperative as, it is also a testament to an enduring commitment to justice, fairness and human dignity.
The CJN, who commended the United States government for supporting the project, said it was a reaffirmation of the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s dedication to justice and security.
On his part, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, decried the continuous incessant acts of terrorism and atrocious crimes perpetuated in the country.
Tsoho said that the psychological scars from these acts were deep, just as the economic impact was immeasurable.
“As a nation, we have a solemn duty to ensure that those who commit these atrocities are brought to justice and that their victims find solace in the knowledge that accountability prevails,” he said.
He also said that the Federal High Court, by virtue of its jurisdiction over terrorism financing and other related offences, had a significant role in the fight against terrorism and atrocious crimes.
He, however, said that the unique nature of terrorism and atrocious crimes presented distinct challenges that demanded specialised knowledge, enhanced skills and robust institutional support.
“This is precisely where the capacity building programme becomes indispensable because it is not merely training but an investment in the future of our justice system.
“It is a strategic imperative to equip our judicial officers and supporting personnel with the necessary tools to effectively and efficiently handle these sensitive cases,” he said.
In her remarks, the Country Director of NCSC, Mrs Ugonna Ezekwem, said that the centre was fully ready to implement the project to build a resilient, efficient and effective judiciary that would tackle terrorism and atrocity-related cases.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs United States Embassy, Nigeria and the Federal High Court at the end of the event.
The programme was organised by the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC), with support from the United States government.
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