Coronavirus: Lagos Chief Judge Approves Hearing Of Cases Via Zoom And Skype

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria everyone has have had to find ways of going digital so they can offer services to the public. The Lagos state chief Judge Kazeem Alogba today approved the hearing of cases via zoom and skype till when the doors of the court room will be open again.

The new practice which was signed by the Chief Judge on April 27, allows lawyers and litigants to file cases electronically, while lawyers may be notified of the fees to be paid through email, WhatsApp, or text message. Paragraph 11 of the practice directions states that service of court processes may be effected by email, WhatsApp or any other directive issued by the court. Paragraph 16 says “Remote hearings shall be by Zoom, Skype for business or any other video communication method approved by the Chief Judge.” The new practice which will allow “use of suitable technology, a just determination of court proceedings as well as an efficient use of available judicial and administrative resources”, is expected to ensure a “a timely and efficient disposal of cases”. It will take effect from the 4th of May.

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