The Nigerian Bar Association, the Abeokuta branch, has declared a three-day boycott of courts in Abeokuta over policies introduced by the Ogun judiciary.
This was announced in a statement signed by its spokesman, Abdulbasit Shuaib, on Monday.
According to the statement, the boycott would run from July 6 to 8 and affect the high court, the appellate customary court, the magistrates’ courts, and the customary courts.
“This action follows unsuccessful efforts to resolve concerns through meetings, correspondence and consultations with judiciary stakeholders. The issues are the implementation of the Four-Oaths-Per-Day policy and the astronomical increase in the fee for filing oaths from N200 to over N1,500, representing an increase of approximately 650 per cent,” the NBA said.
Others, the NBA said, were the imposition of a ₦100,000 virtual court sitting fee per session. It said the policies pose significant obstacles to legal practice and effective client representation.
It also stated that the policies had adversely affected access to justice and the administration of justice in Ogun.
The branch, however, directed all members to boycott proceedings at the courts within Abeokuta.
“The branch remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ogun State Judiciary and is ready to embrace genuine efforts to resolve these issues,” the statement added.
(NAN)
