Abuja – The Federal Government has called on the judiciary to play a stronger role in national security by accelerating the prosecution of terrorism cases and safeguarding constitutional democracy.
The call was made on Monday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, during the ceremonial special court session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Fagbemi stressed that with insecurity remaining a major national challenge, the judiciary must support anti-terrorism efforts through swift and firm adjudication.
He warned that delays in terrorism-related cases could prolong insecurity and erode public trust in the justice system.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to both kinetic and non-kinetic measures against terrorism and urged that priority be given to the timely prosecution of suspects rather than indiscriminate detention.
Fagbemi also hinted at the imminent appointment of additional Federal High Court judges to strengthen the judiciary’s capacity to handle high-priority cases.
“The fight against terrorism requires collective resolve,” Fagbemi said, urging Nigerians to unite against the menace.
He also highlighted the importance of commercial cases to national development, calling for accelerated hearing of disputes that affect economic growth and investor confidence.
In her remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, noted that the court received 5,225 appeals and 9,906 motions in the 2024/2025 legal year, successfully concluding 3,193 appeals and hearing 5,623 motions. She said 31,618 appeals and 3,382 motions remain pending as of October 31, 2025, reflecting a reduction from the previous year.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also reported that the Court of Appeal Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre handled 121 mediation matters in 2025, resolving 34, returning 26 to the regular court, while 61 remain pending.
The AGF further encouraged the court to contribute to the National Policy on Justice and constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening the rule of law.
He also called for greater adoption of technology, including e-filing, virtual hearings, and modern case management systems, pledging the government’s support for judicial welfare, independence, and modernization.
