VIRTUAL HEARING IN OGUN STATE
The Ogun State Judiciary has taken a big step forward by allowing virtual hearings cases in their courts. This means that court sittings can now be held online through approved virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc) so people do not always need to be physically present in the courtroom, or are not within the Jurisdiction of the court.
This new law for virtual hearing is provided for in Order 32 RULE(2) of the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2024. This provision makes it possible for anyone, including people who lives abroad to take part in their cases from anywhere in the world.
What the Law for Virtual Hearing in Ogun State Says?
Order 32 Rule 2 (1), which is the provision for virtual hearing in Ogun State provides that:
- Any fact required to be proved at the trial of any action shall be proved by written depositions and oral examination of witnesses in open court.
Provided that the Court may, in appropriate circumstances, direct that evidence of a particular witness be taken virtually, in which case the underlisted conditions shall apply:
- The remote Court/virtual proceeding shall attract a fee of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) or any higher sum as may be stipulated by the Chief Judge, for each session;
- All Applications for virtual hearing shall be made to the Court hearing the matter;
- Upon approval, payment shall be made to the Court;
- Upon receipt of payment, the Assistant Chief Registrar (ACR) of the Judicial Division shall schedule the case for hearing;
- All counsel in the case shall be physically present in open court.
In essence, by this provision, the court can allow a hearing to take place virtually, thereby making the process faster, easier and more convenient for everyone, especially those living outside Nigeria.
How Virtual Hearings Work
Virtual hearing works by following the following steps:
- Application: A party who wants a virtual hearing will, through his counsel, apply to the court by virtue of a motion on notice to be served on the other party. The motion shall state the grounds upon which a party wants the court to allow virtual hearing, attach an affidavit and a written address.
- Court Approval. The counsel is expected to move the motion, and if the granted by the court.
- The counsel shall apply for the CTC of the court’ Ruling,
- Counsel takes the CTC to the ACR of the court, and from there he is to make the payment of #100,000 or any high amount stipulated by the Chief Judge of Ogun state.
- The counsel takes the receipt of payment to the court where his matter will be heard as evidence.
- And lastly, a scheduled date will be sent to all parties for the scheduled trial.
CONTRIBUTORS
Managing Partner EKO SOLICITORS AND ADVOCATES
Counsel EKO SOLICITORS AND ADVOCATES
