Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of Special Criminal Divisions within the state High Court to fast-track the trial of serious offences, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, murder, rape and cultism.
The call followed a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing the Ibadan North-West Constituency, Hon. Dawood Olalere, who raised concerns over prolonged criminal proceedings, congested court dockets and the growing number of awaiting-trial inmates.
Olalere said increasing cases of violent and organised crimes, particularly kidnapping, banditry and attacks in parts of northern Oyo, required a more responsive criminal justice system.
He noted that although judicial officers had remained committed to their duties, the handling of both civil and criminal matters by the High Courts had contributed to frequent adjournments and delays in the determination of criminal cases.
According to him, speedy adjudication is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators of serious crimes are brought to justice without undue delay.
Olalere said the proposed Special Criminal Divisions would allow designated judges and courtrooms to focus on criminal matters, improve case management and accelerate trials.
He also warned that delays could discourage victims and witnesses from cooperating with security agencies, weaken the deterrent effect of prosecution and contribute to overcrowding in custodial facilities.
The lawmaker urged the Chief Judge of Oyo State and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to establish dedicated Criminal Divisions across the state’s judicial divisions.
He also called on the state government to provide adequate funding, judicial personnel and technology, including digital case-management systems and electronic recording facilities, to support the initiative.
The motion proposed greater coordination among the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders to accelerate investigations and prosecution.
Olalere further advocated funding for witness protection, victim-support services and free legal aid for indigent defendants, stressing that speedy trials must be balanced with the right to a fair hearing.
He urged the Attorney-General to establish and adequately staff a specialised unit within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to handle cases before the proposed Criminal Divisions and provide regular training for prosecutors.
Security agencies were also urged to speed up investigations and promptly transmit case files to the Ministry of Justice to prevent delays in prosecution.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, was asked to provide regular records of awaiting-trial inmates and facilitate virtual hearings where appropriate to expedite arraignment and trial.
The Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions, Justice and Judiciary was tasked with liaising with the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary on implementation and reporting progress to the House.