Lawyers Launch Ongoing Protest Against Virtual Court Hearings in Enugu North

Say Remote Proceedings Have Affected Justice Delivery

NSUKKA — Lawyers in the Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State have launched an indefinite protest against the continued use of virtual hearings in the High Courts across the district, arguing that the practice hampers the delivery of justice.

The judicial divisions affected include Nsukka, Obollo-Afor, Enugu-Ezike, Ogbede and Orba.

Barrister Christopher Agbo, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Nsukka Branch, said the protest began on 2 June 2026 and will continue until judges resume physical sittings within the district.

He explained that the ongoing reliance on virtual hearings by administrative judges posted to the area creates operational challenges for court users and slows the hearing of cases.

According to Agbo, court proceedings are often conducted remotely, with lawyers, litigants and witnesses following the proceedings in the courtroom through digital devices provided by court staff.

He noted that while virtual hearings are permitted under court rules, they are intended mainly for emergency or exceptional situations, not as a substitute for regular physical court sittings.

Agbo said the arrangement has led to delays, with some cases taking longer than usual due to network and connectivity issues.

“Sometimes we sit in courtrooms till late in the day because of poor network service,” he said, adding that participants often follow proceedings conducted remotely from outside the district.

He also raised concerns about delays in accessing case files and certified court documents, stating that this affects case management and scheduling.

Agbo said lawyers in the district have made several efforts to address the situation, including engagements with the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena, and other stakeholders, but the matter remains unresolved.

He added that members of the Bar are willing to support any arrangement that would improve access to justice and ensure smoother court operations within the district.

The NBA chairman said the protest will continue until a resolution is reached that ensures more effective and efficient court proceedings in the district.

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