The Supreme Court of Nigeria has struck out suits by Lagos and Ekiti states, challenging the legality of virtual court sittings.
The Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Mr Olawale Fapohunda had in the suit asked the court to determine the constitutionality of a directive issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubaka Malami, to the Heads of Courts at Federal and State levels, as it relates to the conduct of virtual proceedings in court, and whether such is not a violation of federalism as provided in the 1999 Constitution.
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Also, Fapohunda wanted the apex court to determine if the directive issued in line with the National Judicial Council is not a violation of the constitutional provisions on fair hearing as it relates to the conduct of criminal trials in public.
Furthermore, Fapohunda asked the court to set aside or strike down directives to the extent that they purport to be binding on the Ekiti State High Court for being inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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However, in a unanimous judgement, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour declared that as at today, virtual court sittings are not unconstitutional.
