By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate establishment of Special Criminal Divisions within the state High Court to fast-track the prosecution of heinous crimes, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and murder.
The resolution was reached during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, following a motion moved by Hon. Dawood Olalere, representing Ibadan North-West Constituency.
Moving the motion, Hon. Olalere emphasized that effective administration of criminal justice remains fundamental to maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and preserving public trust in the judiciary.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the rising wave of organized criminal activities, violent attacks, and other serious offences plaguing parts of the state, particularly noting that incidents in northern Oyo underscore the urgent need for a more responsive justice system.
According to the Assembly, the current system where High Courts handle both civil and criminal matters simultaneously has led to heavily congested dockets, frequent adjournments, and prolonged trials. The lawmakers noted that while the Oyo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law was enacted to promote efficiency, the sheer volume and complexity of modern crime demand specialized judicial structures and dedicated judges.
The House warned that protracted legal proceedings not only delay justice for victims and defendants but also embolden criminals, encourage impunity, and discourage witnesses and security personnel who risk their lives to apprehend suspects.
To tackle these bottlenecks, the Assembly urged the Chief Judge of Oyo State and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to designate specific High Court judges and courtrooms exclusively for criminal trials across the state’s judicial divisions.
The lawmakers also called on the executive arm to provide robust financial, technological, and administrative backing—including digital case management systems and electronic recording facilities—to support the proposed special courts.
Furthermore, the Assembly tasked the Ministry of Justice with creating a specialized unit within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for the new divisions, while urging security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to expedite investigations and ensure prompt case-file transmission.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, was similarly charged with providing regular lists of awaiting-trial inmates and facilitating virtual court proceedings to prevent logistical delays.
To ensure compliance, the House mandated its Committee on Public Petitions, Justice, and Judiciary to interface directly with the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary to oversee the implementation of the initiative and report back to the assembly.
