The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has warned court registrars, bailiffs and other Judicial support Staff against engaging in misconduct capable of undermining the integrity of the Judiciary, stressing that anyone found leaking Judgments, accepting bribes or engaging in other unethical practices would face Legal consequences.
Adejumo issued the warning on Thursday while declaring open a case management workshop organised by the National Judicial Institute for court personnel responsible for filing processes, Registry operations and the service of court processes.
He said the credibility and effectiveness of the justice system depend not only on the quality of judgments delivered by judicial officers but also on the professionalism, discipline and integrity of the support staff handling the administrative and procedural aspects of court operations.
According to him, every motion filed, document received, case scheduled, record maintained, oath administered and court process served contributes directly to the efficient functioning of the judiciary and shapes public perception of the justice system.
The NJI Administrator cautioned judicial personnel against any conduct that could bring the Judiciary into disrepute, warning that acts such as leaking Judgments, demanding or receiving bribes and other unethical practices would not be tolerated.
He described effective case management as a key indicator of a functional judicial system, noting that modern courts are increasingly expected to deliver legally sound decisions within reasonable timeframes through transparent, efficient and user-focused procedures.
Adejumo said achieving those standards requires close coordination between Judicial Officers and personnel responsible for the administrative management of cases. He warned that delays, poor record-keeping, ineffective service of court processes and weaknesses in registry operations could undermine justice delivery, even where judges remain committed to fair and timely adjudication.
He explained that the workshop was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of contemporary case management practices and strengthen their capacity to support the effective administration of justice.
According to him, participants will receive training in case flow management, records administration, filing procedures, service of court processes, registry operations and the growing integration of technology into court administration.
The programme also focus on professional ethics and practical strategies for improving the efficiency of court operations.
Adejumo commended the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute for recognising that judicial excellence depends on a knowledgeable, competent and professionally disciplined workforce.
He also praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her commitment to judicial reform, institutional strengthening and capacity development within the judiciary.
The NJI Administrator further acknowledged the Chairman of the Board’s Education Committee, Justice John Inyang Okoro, for his guidance and continued support for the Institute’s training programmes.
He equally thanked heads of courts and workshop facilitators for supporting the Institute’s efforts to improve the capacity and professional standards of judicial personnel across the country.
Adejumo urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop in their respective courts, stressing that professionalism among judicial support staff remains essential to reducing delays, strengthening public confidence and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s Justice system.