Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has assured that the Judiciary is in support of efforts to address terrorism and atrocious crimes in the country.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said the Judiciary was committed to ensuring justice, accountability and national unity in the face of terrorism and atrocious crimes.
She spoke yesterday at an event tagged: Building the Capacity of the Nigerian Judicial Sector to Prosecute, Defend and Adjudicate Terrorism and Atrocity Cases project in Abuja.
The event was organised by the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC), with support from the United States(US).
Represented by Justice Mohammed Garba of the Supreme Court, the CJN said the project was not only a resolve to strengthen the rule of law, but a shared aspiration to protect the values that define a just and humane society.
“In recent years, our nation has continued to grapple with the devastating consequences of terrorism and atrocities.
“These acts of violence and large-scale human rights abuses do more than destroy lives; they threaten the very fabric of our national unity, undermine public trust and challenge the foundations of peace and order,” she said.
The CJN said that during these challenging times, the judiciary must serve as a sentinel of justice, a guardian of accountability and a beacon of hope for victims and communities alike.
According to her, the project is more than a response to a national security imperative as it is also a testament to an enduring commitment to justice, fairness and human dignity.
She further said that through the effective prosecution of terrorism and atrocity-related cases, the judiciary not only protects lives and property but also dismantles the climate of impunity that emboldened such crimes.
The CJN added: “The judiciary, by delivering fair, impartial and timely decisions, sends a clear message that justice will be done and that no one is above the law.”
She commended the United States government for supporting the project, saying that it was a reaffirmation of the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s dedication to justice and security.
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, expressed concern over increasing cases of terrorism and atrocious crimes in the country.
Justice Tsoho observed that the psychological impact of these acts was deep, adding that the economic impact was equally immeasurable.
A key aspect of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Embassy IN Nigeria and the Federal High Court.