Court of Appeal Hears 330 Cases in Special Abuja Sitting, Honours Retiring Justice Barka

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21 panels, 63 justices handle civil, criminal and commercial appeals in coordinated judicial exercise

By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March 26, 2026

The Court of Appeal Nigeria has concluded a special sitting in Abuja during which 330 appeals were heard, underscoring efforts to reduce case backlog and improve judicial efficiency.

President of the Court, Monica Dongban-Mensem, disclosed this at a farewell event for retiring jurist Hamma Barka, who is set to exit the bench on April 17.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem (president, Court of Appeal)

Justice Dongban-Mensem said the special sitting, which commenced earlier in the week, involved the constitution of 21 panels comprising 63 justices drawn from various divisions of the court.Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem (president, Court of Appeal)

According to her, the panels handled a total of 330 appeals spanning civil, criminal, and commercial matters.

The sessions were held across multiple venues within the Federal Capital Territory, including the Court of Appeal Headquarters and other designated courtrooms.

Judicial Efficiency Drive

The appellate court president noted that the coordinated sitting reflects ongoing institutional efforts to accelerate case resolution and ease congestion in the judicial system.

She commended stakeholders and partners whose support facilitated the smooth conduct of the exercise, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention in case management.

Tribute to Justice Barka

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The event also served as a valedictory session for Justice Barka, the Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division, who retires next month after years of service on the appellate bench.

Dongban-Mensem praised his contributions to the judiciary, noting that his legacy would endure within the legal community.

“He will undoubtedly be greatly missed by his brother Justices, the Bar, and the entire judicial community,” she said, wishing him good health and fulfilment in retirement.

Colleagues also paid tribute to the retiring justice, highlighting his mentorship and collegial approach to judicial duties.

Call for Judicial Reforms

The Appeal Court President renewed her call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to upgrade the National Judicial Institute into a Judicial University.

She argued that such a reform would provide a structured platform for retiring jurists to continue contributing their expertise to the development of the judiciary.

The large-scale hearing of appeals within a short timeframe signals a deliberate push by the judiciary to address delays that have long undermined access to justice in Nigeria. Strengthening institutional capacity and leveraging experienced jurists beyond active service could prove critical in sustaining reforms.

For litigants and the legal system, faster resolution of cases enhances confidence, reduces costs, and improves the overall effectiveness of justice delivery.