Abuja Chief Judge Raps Police
Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, on Thursday in Abuja at a ceremony marking the commemoration of the 2011/2012 Joint Legal Year of the FCT Judiciary, expressed worry over increasing reports of the Nigeria Police refusing to accept the service of court processes.
According to him, court processes are designed to let one know that a case in which he/she has an interest is coming up at a certain place and time.
He complained about the excesses of the Special Anti Robbery Squad Unit (SARS) in Garki II District; saying that their incessant violation of the rights of the citizens is unacceptable.
The Chief Judge disclosed that all accused persons are presumed innocent and must be treated as such.
The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in his remarks at the event, pledged that the FCT Administration will continue to respect court orders and fundamental human rights of the residents of the Federal Capital Territory as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He reiterated that all court orders as well as judgments must be respected by the FCT Administration to show a good example because FCT is the most visible area in the federation.
The minister assured that in exercising the delegated responsibility of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in administering the Federal Capital Territory, he will remain cautious and avoid instances that may lead to court cases which tend to have negative impact on the ever decreasing budgetary allocation earmarked for the FCT.
He pleaded with the FCT Judiciary to assist the FCT Administration to achieve its target of meeting up with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the FCT Administration’s road map.
He promised to continue to cooperate with the judiciary and also assist it in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
By Nnamdi Felix/Abuja
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