From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a newly completed digital court building constructed by his administration, saying the project marked a major boost to the state’s commitment to speedy justice delivery.
Mbah said the integration of technology, alongside judicial financial autonomy already operational in the state, would guarantee a judiciary that is not just independent in principle but effective in practice.
He stressed that the vision of his administration for the Enugu State Judiciary was one anchored on independence, efficiency, technology and a people-focused justice system.
The governor spoke during the inauguration of the Digital Court Building at the ceremonies and special court session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Enugu State Judiciary, held on Monday at the Enugu State Judicial Complex in the state capital.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor said the theme of the event, “Enugu State Judiciary: Ushering in a New Era of efficient Justice Delivery through Technological Integration and Financial Autonomy”, aligned with his administration’s early resolve to strengthen and modernise governance in the state.
He explained that the four ultra-modern court halls were designed to ease congestion in existing facilities, improve working conditions and boost the dignity and efficiency of judicial proceedings.
“These court halls are not merely physical structures; they are purpose-built facilities equipped with digital recording systems, smart displays, secure data connectivity, and ergonomic designs that meet contemporary standards for modern courts.
“They represent our commitment to creating an enabling environment for justice delivery,” Mbah stated.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, reminded judicial officers that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, carried a responsibility to uphold the rule of law with integrity and maintain zero tolerance for corruption.
He said the Enugu State Judiciary had embarked on far-reaching reforms in the interest of the people and commended Governor Mbah for providing the necessary support to the third arm of government.
“It became clear to us that meaningful reform would require more than incremental adjustments. What was needed was a comprehensive rethinking of how cases move through the justice system.
“Our need was met by the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who at the inception of his administration clearly identified the judiciary as an area of focus and promised transformative and innovative projects for the Judiciary.
“Today, we formally launch a digital justice platform that redefines how cases are filled, processed, heard, recorded and concluded in the Judiciary of Enugu State and across the justice sector institutions.
“This transformation covers the High Court of Justice, the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Magistrates’ Court, Customary Courts, the Multi-Door Courthouse, the Ministry of Justice, and key public-facing court services including the Probate Division and Affidavit Sections,” the Chief Judge said.
Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, praised Governor Mbah for what he described as giant strides and transformative backing for the justice sector, noting that such support had strengthened the sector as a foundation for good governance, economic growth and social order.
“In pursuit of the Governor’s vision for a tech-enabled Justice sector, the Ministry of Justice spearheaded a groundbreaking digitalisation drive in collaboration with the Enugu State Judiciary. Some notable achievements include innovative digital court solutions like e-Litigation System, e-Affidavit System, Virtual Court Hearing System, e-Probate and e-Lis Pendens (all currently in advanced testing), Enablement of full e-filing, e-assessment, e-payment, and e-assignment of cases.
“In addition, we conducted the recruitment and training of 39 Verbatim Court Reporters to enhance courtroom transcription accuracy,” he stated.
