NBA urges judiciary to expedite criminal cases - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the judiciary to extend the speedy trial approach adopted in the kidnapping case at the Benin Special Court to other criminal cases in the state.

The branch chairman, Omorodion Omoigui, made the call in Benin while reacting to the judgment delivered by the Special Court on a kidnapping case that occurred at the Benin Vegetable Market on June 14, 2026.

The Edo State Government consequently established the special criminal court to try kidnappers and cultists, and the court commenced operation on July 1, 2026.

Omoigui, flanked by other executives and members of the Benin NBA, said the call was not for justice to be rushed but for justice to be delivered efficiently, fairly and without avoidable delay.

“This matter demonstrates that speed and due process can coexist, and that serious criminal cases can be resolved efficiently while fully protecting the rights of all parties.

He said: “This matter offers an important lesson: when all stakeholders perform their respective constitutional and professional responsibilities with commitment and cooperation, the justice system can respond effectively to the security challenges facing our society.

“We call on all stakeholders to sustain this collaboration and ensure that justice is delivered promptly, fairly and lawfully.”

The NBA chairman, while commanding the coordinated efforts of the executive, security agencies, judiciary and legal profession in ensuring a timely response, also commended the security agencies for their prompt response and investigative efforts.

Omoigui expressed the NBA’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, the protection of fundamental rights and the collective effort to make Edo State safer for all.