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Court Of Appeal

The Court of Appeal of Nigeria is a critical component of the judicial system, serving as an intermediate appellate court. Here are the key points about the Court of Appeal:

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  1. Establishment:
    • The Court of Appeal was established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1976. It is constituted as a superior court of record by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
  2. Jurisdiction:
    • Appellate Jurisdiction: The Court of Appeal primarily hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts, including Federal High Courts, State High Courts, the National Industrial Court, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal.
    • Original Jurisdiction: The Court has original jurisdiction in specific cases, such as disputes arising from presidential and vice-presidential elections. It also has jurisdiction in appeals from decisions of tribunals relating to legislative elections.
  3. Composition:
    • The Court of Appeal is headed by the President of the Court of Appeal. The President is appointed by the President of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation by the Senate.
    • The court is composed of various Justices of the Court of Appeal, who are also appointed by the President of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.
    • The number of Justices can vary, but the court must have at least 49 Justices according to the 1999 Constitution.
  4. Divisions:
    • The Court of Appeal operates through multiple divisions spread across Nigeria. These divisions are strategically located in various regions to facilitate access to justice and handle the caseload efficiently.
    • Each division is headed by a Presiding Justice, and Justices are assigned to divisions by the President of the Court of Appeal.
  5. Functions:
    • Appellate Review: The primary function is to review decisions of lower courts to ensure correctness, fairness, and adherence to the law. The court can affirm, reverse, or modify the decisions of lower courts.
    • Legal Interpretation: The court plays a crucial role in interpreting laws and statutes, setting precedents that guide lower courts and legal practitioners.
    • Election Petitions: The Court of Appeal serves as the final arbiter in election petition cases for legislative elections and as the first appellate court for presidential election petitions.
  6. Significance:
    • The Court of Appeal ensures that justice is administered uniformly and fairly across the country by providing a mechanism for reviewing and correcting errors made by lower courts.
    • Its decisions are binding on all lower courts, contributing to the consistency and predictability of the law.
    • The court’s role in election matters helps to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and democracy in Nigeria.
  7. Challenges:
    • The Court of Appeal faces challenges such as a heavy caseload, which can lead to delays in the delivery of judgments.
    • Ensuring uniformity in decisions across different divisions and maintaining the independence of the judiciary in the face of political pressures are ongoing challenges.
  8. Achievements:
    • The Court of Appeal has delivered numerous landmark judgments that have shaped Nigerian law and contributed to legal and judicial reforms.
    • It has expanded its divisions over the years to improve access to justice for people across Nigeria.
  9. Recent Developments:
    • The Court of Appeal has been adopting technology to improve its operations, including electronic filing and virtual hearings, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Continuous judicial training and workshops are conducted to keep Justices updated on new legal developments and best practices in judicial administration.

The Court of Appeal is a fundamental part of Nigeria’s judicial system, playing a vital role in ensuring justice, upholding the rule of law, and interpreting legal provisions across the country.

CONTACTS

  • Head Office: Three Arms Zone, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, FCT-Abuja.
  • Phone No: +2349010331588
  • Email: hq@courtofappeal.gov.ng

Court Of Appeal Division and Contacts Nationwide

  • Address: Tafawa Balewa Square Road, Beside Kings College, Lagos Island, P.M.B 12749, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos State. | Phone No: 9010331590
  • Address: Ali Akilu Road, Opposite NDA Bus Stop, P.M.B 2232 Kaduna, Kaduna State | Phone No: 9010331591
  • Address: Off New Adeoyo Hospital Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. | Phone No: 9010331592
  • Address: No. 5, Aguleri Street Independence Layout, P.M.B 1461, Enugu State. | Phone No: 9010331593
  • Address: No. 3, Benin- Auchi Road, P.M.B 1404, Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo State. | Phone No: 9010331594
  • Address: Yakubu Gowon Way, P.M.B 2728, Jos, Plateau State. | Phone No: 9010331595
  • Address: 13, Moscow Road, Old G.R.A, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. | Phone No: 9010331596
  • Address: Three Arms Zone, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, F.C.T- Abuja. | Phone No: 9010331597
  • Address: Felix Nsemo Drive, Behind Secretariat, Calabar, Cross River State. | Phone No: 9010331598
  • Address: Abdulazeez Attah Road, Beside Federal Secretariat, P.M.B 1379, Fate Ilorin, Kwara State. | Phone No: 9010331599
  • Address: Behind INEC Office, Port- Harcourt Road, Owerri, Imo State. | Phone No: 9010331600
  • Address: Kaduna Road, P.M.B 2285, Sokoto, Sokoto State. | Phone No: 9010331601
  • Address: Justice Buba Ardo Road, P.M.B 2172, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State. | Phone No: 9010331602
  • Address: P.M.B 5460, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State | Phone No: 9010331603
  • Address: Court of Appeal Estate, Off Igbatoro Road, Akure, Ondo State. | Phone No: 9010331604
  • Address: P.M.B 102262, Makurdi, Opp. High Court of Justice, Off Atonshi Close, Old G.R.A Makurdi, Benue State | Phone No: 9010331605
  • Address: Former Multi-Purpose Skills Acquisition Centre, Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State. | Phone No: 9010331606
  • Address: No. 24, Court Road, Adjacent CPS, Awka, Anambra State. | Phone No: 9010331607
  • Address: Old High Court Complex, Opposite Gombe State University, Tudun Wada, Gombe State. | Phone No: 9010331608
  • Address: Audu Bako Secretariat State Road, Kano, Kano State. | Phone No: 9010331609

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