The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has raised concerns over the implementation of the electronic filing system in Ondo State, describing the process as cumbersome due to persistent network failures, system downtime and continued reliance on physical documentation.

The branch also expressed concern over reported irregularities in remand proceedings, warning that practices capable of undermining the protection of fundamental rights and personal liberty must be addressed.

The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued after the branch's monthly general meeting held on October 29, 2026, at the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Oke-Eda, Akure.

According to the communiqué, although the current e-filing platform allows lawyers to make payments and upload court processes online, practitioners and litigants are still required to print and submit physical copies at court registries for assessment, stamping and other administrative procedures.

The branch said the arrangement defeats the purpose of automation, particularly as network failures and shortages of essential registry materials further slow down filing processes.

It therefore called for a review of the system to ensure a fully integrated electronic filing process, rather than one that merely digitises payments while retaining largely manual procedures.

The lawyers also urged the discontinuation of the requirement for practitioners and litigants to submit hard copies of documents already uploaded to the platform, arguing that court registries should generate physical copies where necessary.

They further called for urgent ex parte applications to be exempted from mandatory electronic filing requirements, with alternative arrangements provided to prevent technical difficulties from frustrating time-sensitive applications.

To address the challenges, the branch constituted a three-member committee to document specific operational problems associated with the e-filing system and recommend solutions.

The committee, chaired by Mr Banjo Ayenakin, has Mr Ibukun Fasanmi as secretary, while Mr Adetiloye Victor Ajayi is a member.

The committee is also expected to examine delays in the processing of title documents and recommend remedial measures.

On remand proceedings, the NBA expressed concern over reported practices which it said could undermine safeguards provided under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State, 2015.

It noted that some remand applications were allegedly not subjected to adequate scrutiny regarding their legal and factual justification.

The branch also said it had received reports of remarks attributed to some judicial officers suggesting concerns about possible administrative consequences when refusing remand applications.

It maintained that decisions affecting personal liberty must be based on the law, evidence and materials presented before the court, as well as the independent exercise of judicial discretion.

The lawyers consequently resolved to engage the leadership of the Judiciary on the concerns and advocate strict compliance with statutory safeguards governing remand proceedings.

They also stressed that judicial officers should determine each application on its merits, granting or refusing it as required by law and the circumstances of each case.

The branch further resolved to seek an audience with the Chief Judge of Ondo State, alongside elders of the Bar and former chairmen of the branch, to discuss issues affecting the administration of justice.

The proposed meeting is expected to address delays in the assignment of newly filed cases, challenges associated with e-filing, remand proceedings and judicial independence, as well as ways to improve cooperation between the Bar and the Bench.

On security matters, the NBA called for the secondment of additional legal practitioners from the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.

It said the proposed deployment would strengthen the legal scrutiny of charges and court processes before cases are filed, promote compliance with legal requirements and protect the rights of persons involved.

The branch reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, protection of fundamental rights and efficient administration of justice.

The communiqué was signed by the branch chairman, Oju Kekemeke, and secretary, Oluwanike Omotayo.