INTIMIDATION/BLACKMAIL OF JUDGES

The CJ should issue practice direction requiring parties in criminal cases especially Anti-Corruption cases to fill a form
before trial commences stating any reason(s) they believe should bar the judge assigned to a case from hearing it. The
unfortunate trend now is that when defense lawyers are not finding things easy before a judge, they resort to blackmail and
intimidation.
2.0. New Institutional Structures: NIL
3.0. Human Resource Requirement: NIL
4.0. Returns/Reports: NIL
5.0. Material Requirements: NIL
6.0. Recommended action for overcoming the challenge of false petition:
6.1. The ACAs should as a matter of urgency activate the provisions in their respective laws against false petitions and apply them
in appropriate cases.
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6.2. ACAs should be cautious in giving heed to anonymous petitions against judges.
6.3. Judges should apply the provisions of the ACJA authorizing the award of reasonable cost against counsel (prosecution or
defense) who make frivolous applications aimed at delaying further proceedings.