By Joy Akinsanya

Lawyers in Abeokuta, have declared a three-day boycott of courts in the Ogun capital city over policies introduced by the State Judiciary.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Abeokuta branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA} branch’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Abdulbasit Shuaib on Monday in Abeokuta.

According to the statement, the boycott would begin from July 6 to July 8 and would affect the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and Customary Courts.

“This action follows unsuccessful efforts to resolve concerns through meetings, correspondence and consultations with judiciary stakeholders.

“The issues are the implementation of the Four-Oaths-Per-Day Policy. Astronomical increase in the fee for filing Oaths from N200 to over N1,500, representing an increase of approximately 650 per cent,” the NBA said.

Others the NBA said are the imposition of a ₦100,000 virtual court sitting fee per session.

It said the policies constitute significant obstacles to legal practice and effective representation of clients.

It also stated that the policies had adversely affected access to justice and the administration of justice in Ogun State.

The branch, however, directed all members to boycott proceedings at the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and Customary Courts within Abeokuta.

“The branch remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ogun State Judiciary and is ready to embrace genuine efforts to resolve these issues,” the statement added.

(NAN) IOJ/SH

Source: PM News