The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR, has emphasized the need for stronger judicial coordination and institutional collaboration in addressing terrorism, money laundering, illicit financial flows, and challenges of witness protection confronting Nigeria’s justice system.
Justice Adejumo made the remark at the National Judicial Institute Biennial National Workshop on Counter Terrorism and Judicial Responses to Money Laundering, Illicit Financial Flows, and Witness Protection at the Andrews Otutu Obaseki Auditorium, Abuja.
Highlighting the role of the judiciary, His Lordship stated that courts are often required to balance competing considerations of public safety, individual rights, evidentiary limitations, and procedural safeguards in matters relating to terrorism and financial crimes. According to him, this responsibility demands principled decision-making and continuous judicial capacity development.
Addressing the issue of witness protection, Justice Adejumo stressed that the willingness of individuals to provide evidence in sensitive matters is often dependent on their confidence in the justice system’s ability to guarantee their safety. He noted that where such confidence is lacking, the administration of justice is significantly weakened.
Further emphasizing the need for collaboration, Justice Adejumo stated that effective judicial responses depend not only on individual institutional efforts but also on the extent to which those efforts are aligned and mutually reinforcing. He expressed optimism that the workshop would provide valuable insights and strengthen cooperation among judicial officers, investigators, prosecutors, and relevant agencies.
In his keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, described the judiciary as occupying a position of strategic national importance in combating terrorism financing, money laundering, and illicit financial flows. His Lordship noted that judicial decisions in such matters shape institutional credibility, reinforce investor confidence, and signal Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Drawing attention to emerging trends, the Chief Justice highlighted the growing role of digital technologies, virtual currencies, encrypted platforms, and anonymity tools in facilitating financial crimes and terrorism-related activities. She therefore stressed the need for judicial officers to strengthen their technological literacy and deepen their understanding of digital evidence, cyber-forensics, and evolving crime patterns.
On witness protection, His Lordship observed that credible mechanisms remain fundamental to effective justice delivery, particularly in dismantling organized criminal and terrorist networks. She noted that while relevant legal frameworks exist, implementation challenges and institutional gaps continue to limit their effectiveness.
Concluding her address, the Chief Justice urged participants to engage actively throughout the workshop, deepen interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen institutional synergy among judges, investigators, prosecutors, and financial intelligence agencies. Thereafter, Her Lordship formally declared the Biennial Workshop on Counter-Terrorism and Judicial Responses to Money Laundering, Illicit Financial Flows, and Witness Protection open.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua; Hon. Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court, Kano State; Professor Adekunle Adedeji of the Juritrust Centre for Socio-Legal Research and Documentation; and Dr Benedict, Acting Coordinator, Legal and Prosecution, representing the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The opening ceremony concluded with the recitation of the National Pledge, reaffirming participants’ commitment to national unity, service, and the rule of law. The event also featured a group photograph session involving dignitaries, judicial officers, facilitators, and participants to commemorate the formal commencement of the workshop.
Share News
