The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has called on the judiciary to extend the speedy trial approach adopted in a recent kidnapping case to other criminal cases in Edo State. This call was made by the branch chairman, Omorodion Omoigui, in reaction to a judgement delivered by the Special Court on a kidnapping case that occurred at the Benin Vegetable Market on June 14, 2026. The case was tried at the Benin Special Court, established by the Edo State Government to try kidnappers and cultists, which commenced operation on July 1, 2026.
The kidnapping case demonstrated that speed and due process can coexist, and that serious criminal cases can be resolved efficiently while fully protecting the rights of all parties. According to Omoigui, this was achieved through the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the executive, security agencies, judiciary, and legal profession. The NBA chairman commended the coordinated efforts that led to a timely response in the case, saying it offers an important lesson for the justice system.
Omoigui made the call while flanked by other executives and members of the Benin NBA, emphasizing that the goal is not for justice to be rushed but for justice to be delivered efficiently, fairly, and without delay. He added that the collaboration among stakeholders should be sustained to ensure that justice is delivered promptly, fairly, and lawfully. The NBA chairman expressed the association's commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The Edo State Government established the special criminal court in response to the growing security challenges in the state, particularly kidnapping and cultism. The court has been empowered to try kidnappers and cultists, and its establishment has been seen as a step towards addressing the security concerns in the state. The judgement delivered by the Special Court in the kidnapping case has been hailed as a success, with many stakeholders commending the efforts of the government and the judiciary.
The Nigerian Bar Association has reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that justice is delivered efficiently and fairly in Edo State. The association has called on all stakeholders to sustain the collaboration that led to the successful trial of the kidnapping case, saying it is essential for the justice system to respond effectively to the security challenges facing the society.
The Benin Branch of the NBA has expressed optimism that the adoption of a faster approach to criminal cases will help to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts and ensure that justice is delivered promptly. The association has also called for the protection of fundamental rights and the collective effort to make Edo State safer for all. This, it believes, can be achieved through the sustained collaboration of all stakeholders.
The call by the Nigerian Bar Association for the judiciary to adopt a faster approach to criminal cases has been seen as a step towards improving the efficiency of the justice system in Edo State. The association's commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence has been commended, with many stakeholders expressing support for its efforts to ensure that justice is delivered fairly and without delay.
Key points
- The Nigerian Bar Association urges the judiciary to extend the speedy trial approach adopted in a recent kidnapping case to other criminal cases in Edo State.
- The association commends the coordinated efforts of the executive, security agencies, judiciary, and legal profession in ensuring a timely response in the case.
- The goal is for justice to be delivered efficiently, fairly, and without delay, while fully protecting the rights of all parties.
