Recent Posts by Okechukwu I
Anambra State Small Claims Court Performance Report for March 2024
This is the March 2024 Anambra State Small Claims Court Performance Report
Unveiling of Small Claims Court Practice Directions by Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu, Chief Judge of Anambra State
In an official announcement on the 29th September 2023, the Hon. Chief Judge unveiled the Anambra State Small Claims Court Practice Directions 2023. These practice directions serve as comprehensive guidelines for the process and proceedings of the newly established Small Claims Courts. Key highlights of the Practice Directions include:
- Expedited Procedures: Small Claims Courts will employ simplified and accelerated procedures to ensure the swift resolution of cases.
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Practice Directions encourage the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods to reach amicable settlements before resorting to formal court proceedings.
- Monetary Limit: The Small Claims Court will have jurisdiction over financial disputes where the claimed amount does not exceed N5, 000,000.
- No Legal Representation Required: Litigants in Small Claims Court are not required to be represented by legal counsel, although they have the option to do so if they wish.
- Limited Discovery: Discovery processes will be limited to expedite the proceedings, ensuring that cases are resolved as quickly as possible (not exceeding 60 days from date of filing.
- Cost Efficiency: The Small Claims Court system aims to be cost-effective for all parties involved, with streamlined processes.
- Speedy Judgments: The Small Claims Courts are committed to issuing judgments promptly to minimize delays in resolving disputes.
As Anambra State is well known for high commercial activities, the establishment of Small Claims Courts by the State Judiciary marks a significant step towards enhancing access to justice and expediting the resolution of financial disputes within the State. With the designation of specific Magistrates’ Courts, training of Learned Magistrates and Customary Court Presidents, and the unveiling of the Practice Directions, the Chief Judge has set in motion a system that promises efficient, cost-effective, and accessible dispute resolution for all residents of the State.This initiative reflects the Judiciary’s dedication to ensuring that justice is not only fair but also swift. It is expected that the Small Claims Court system will contribute significantly to reducing the backlog of cases and promoting a more efficient judicial process within the state.
In designating Courts to sit over the Small Claims Cases, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu designated two Learned Magistrates in each of the following Magisterial Districts:
- Chief Magistrates’ Court Awka,
- Chief Magistrates’ Court Onitsha,
- Chief Magistrates’ Court Ogidi, and
- Chief Magistrates’ Court Nnewi.
Designating these magistrates’ courts as Small Claims Courts further ensures that sufficient time is available to handle these cases effectively. Overall, the Small Claims Court is poised to make a positive impact on Anambra State legal landscape.
11 SUV Vehicles for Anambra State Judges
The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu, on Thursday, 6th July 2023, received Eleven brand new Ford Territory crossover SUVs from the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu. The SUVs were the first batch of official vehicles the Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo pledged to allocate to the Judicial Officers. The event took place at the Government House, Awka.
In his remarks, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu thanked the Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo for being timely in commencing the fulfillment of his promise to the Judiciary to that effect, noting that the Judiciary expectations on him (His Excellency) for the remaining vehicles are high.
The provision of official vehicles to the Judiciary enhances the overall image and perception of the judiciary. It demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a robust and effective judicial system, fostering public confidence and trust. These SUVs will facilitate judges in carrying out their responsibilities effectively and contribute to a more efficient and accessible justice system.
On the same occasion, the Hon. Chief Judge handed over all the vehicles to the recipient Hon. Judges. In elated spirit, the recipient Judges expressed their contentment with the vehicles.
Here are few of the photos captured at the event.
TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR MAGISTRATES ON THE ACJL 2022 OF ANAMBRA STATE
On April 5th 2023, a One Day Training Workshop for Learned Magistrates of Anambra State Judiciary on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2022 of Anambra State was held at the Judiciary Town Hall, Judiciary Headquarters, Awka. The theme of the Workshop was “Implementation of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State (2022): Highlights on the Innovations Made Therein”. The workshop convened by Anambra State Judiciary under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu was organized to introduce the Magistrates to the ACJL 2022 practice guideline and its implementation. His Lordship, Onochie M. Anyachebelu delivered the opening and closing remarks, while Hon. Justice P. C. Obiorah and Hon. Justice D. A. Onyefulu were the resource persons for the workshop.
In his opening remarks, His Lordship Onochie M. Anyachebelu welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the ACJL 2022 in ensuring consistency and fairness in justice delivery in the Magistrate Courts of Anambra State Judiciary. The Hon. Chief Judge acknowledged the efforts of the resource persons and thanked them for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. The Hon. Chief Judge also reminded the Magistrates of their responsibility to uphold the law and the importance of continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.
During the Workshop, the resource persons provided an overview of the ACJL 2022 practice guideline and highlighted its key features, including its scope, principles, and application. They also discussed the potential challenges that the Magistrates may face in implementing the law and provided strategies to overcome them. The Magistrates were encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences throughout the workshop, and the resource persons provided detailed responses and facilitated discussions.
The magistrates were also taken through the process of applying the new Law in their daily work. The resource persons provided examples of cases and how the ACJL 2022 can be applied to ensure fairness and consistency in decision-making.
In his closing remarks, Hon. the Chief Judge, Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu thanked the resource persons for their valuable insights and guidance throughout the workshop. The Hon. Chief Judge also commended the Magistrates for their active participation and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop in their daily work. The Chief Judge reminded the Magistrates that they play a crucial role in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all. Finally, the Chief Judge urged the Magistrates to continue learning and improving their skills to serve the Judiciary and the State better.
The training workshop was a success, thanks to the efforts of the Hon. Chief Judge, the resource persons, and the active participation of the Learned Magistrates. The workshop provided the Magistrates with a better understanding of the ACJL 2022 and its application and equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement it effectively. The workshop also demonstrated the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in enhancing the quality of justice delivery.
Below are photos of the two resource persons presenting their papers at the workshop.
Hon. Justice P.C. Obiorah presenting a paper at the Workshop
Hon. Justice D.A. Onyefulu presenting his paper at the Workshop.
Below are photos of cross-sections of the Magistrates at the workshop.
RoLAC Submits Copies of New Magistrates’ Court Law to the Chief Judge
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme presented copies of the Magistrates’ Courts Law of 2021 to the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu. The event occurred in the Chief Judge’s Conference Room, Anthony I. Iguh Judiciary Headquarters, Awka on Thursday, 29th July 2022. The new Magistrates’ Courts’ Law was part of the RoLAC’s efforts toward reforming the criminal justice system.
The State Coordinator of RoLAC, Mrs Josephine Onah (fondly called Madam RoLAC) presented copies of the printed Magistrates’ Courts Law to the Chief Judge in the presence of the Justice Sector Reform Team members. In her speech, Mrs Onah stated that one of the RoLAC support areas was to help improve the administration of criminal justice in the State. According to Mrs Onah, the RoLAC supported the review because of its importance to the Magistracy and the Magistrates’ Courts, given that the bulk of criminal cases are tried in the Magistrates’ Courts. She closed by thanking the Chief Judge for giving the RoLAC the opportunity to be a part of the State Judiciary’s accomplishment.
The Justice Sector Reform Team of Anambra State is chaired by Hon. Justice Pete Obiorah. In his contribution on behalf of the Chairman, His Worship Mike Anyadiegwu stated that the new Magistrates’ Courts Law 2021 implemented many innovations geared towards meeting the current demands in the Criminal Justice Sector, eg. increase in the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Courts.
The Chief Judge expressed heartfelt gratitude to RoLAC for her inputs towards making the new law a reality, then to the State Legislature for passing it, and finally to the Governor for signing and assenting to it. He acknowledged RoLAC’s concern for improved criminal justice sector.
The Chief Judge expressed gratitude to God for His goodness, praying that God would not leave the judiciary. He hoped that things will be under control soon, and we will resume our normal lives. He expressed gratitude to the RoLAC for the presentation, saying that the State Judiciary will put the new law to good and effective use, ensuring that its influence is felt.
Below are pictures of the occasion:
Hon. Judges of the High Court of Justice: 2022 Annual Pre-Vacation Meeting
The Chief Judge of Anambra State, His Lordship, Onochie M. Anyachebelu on Thursday, 28th July 2022 at the Chief Judge’s Court hosted the State High Court Hon. Judges to the 2022 annual pre-vacation meeting. The occasion was the meeting of Judges that precedes their annual vacation.
Pursuant to the provisions of Order 46 Rule 4(b) and 5(1) of the High Court rules, the Chief Judge announced in a signed public notice, that the 2022 vacation will commence on Monday 1st of August, 2022, and ends on Friday, 16th of September, 2022. Consequently, the court will reopen official business on Monday, the 19th of September 2022
In his opening remarks, the Chief Judge expressed his gratitude to God Almighty for preserving their lives throughout the ending legal year. He also thanked the Judges for their doggedness and courage in the discharge of their judicial functions in the face of insecurity. He acknowledged that the year was indeed tough, but the Judges braved the stormy times to bring the Legal Year to a successful end. He further prayed that Almighty God keeps them safe and rejuvenated throughout the vacation and in the coming years.
The Chief Judge thanked the State Governor for enabling a good working relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary. He urged the Governor to do more towards improving the Justice sector in the years ahead.
Below are photos of a cross-section of Honourable Judges at the meeting.
SWEARING IN OF NOTARIES PUBLIC
The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu in a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, 21st July 2022 administered the oath of office to three Notaries Public.
The Legal Practitioners sworn in are:
(1). Jane Chijioke Mbah Esq.
(2). Virgulus Ikemefuna Ozumba Esq. and
(3). Chukwuemeka Onyeka Okite Esq.
The event occurred at Chief Judge’s Conference Room in the Iguh High Court Complex, Anambra State Judiciary, Awka.
In his goodwill message, the Hon. Chief Judge charged the Notaries to be good Ambassadors of the Legal profession as ministers in the temple of Justice. He urged them to work in tandem with the Judiciary in ensuring that the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common Nigerian.
The Hon. Chief Judge Swore In Prof. Charles Soludo as Governor of Anambra State
Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu, the Chief Judge of Anambra State on Thursday, 17th March, 2022 sworn – in Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the governor of Anambra State.
Earlier in the occasion, the Hon. Chief Judge sworn in Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim as the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo was sworn in as the fifth governor of Anambra State in a modest event that took place at the Government House, Awka. Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo succeeded Chief Willie Obiano.
Anambra State Judiciary Swears In New Customary Court Members
The Customary Courts in Anambra State sit as panel of three . The president is a legal practitioner on full time employment. The member I is a legal practitioner and the Member 2 is a non legal practioner but is required to be knowledgeable in the custom of that area. The members 1 and 2 are usually on three years contract term though renewable.
On Thursday, 10th March, 2022 The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon Justice OM Anyachebelu FCArb, FICMC swore in a total of 67 members 1 and 2. A good number were on second term. They are to serve for the next three years.
In his speech, the Chief Judge charged them to be diligent and shun corruption.
