DISOBEDIENCE TO COURT JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS: A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE TO ENFORCEMENT OF COURT JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS IN NIGERIA: WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Conflict is universally accepted as a necessary part of human interactions. This is more pronounced in commercial dealings. Actors in the business sphere having this in mind require a level of assurance that when this occurs, there is in place, adequate legal machinery for settling such disputes. And more importantly, that whatever verdict is handed down can be enforced.[1] Enforcement of court judgments and orders in Nigeria is “bedevilled’’ and fraught with a lot of challenges. “Among” these challenges, disobedience to court “judgments” or “orders” is arguably, the most formidable and virulent. This article discussed some selected cases of disobedience to court judgments and orders in Nigeria with particular focus on the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government. Judicial response to issues of disobedience to court judgments and orders through pronouncements of judicial officers, was also discussed, with a view to underscoring the negative effects of disobedience to court judgments and orders and how strongly, it is viewed.  In conclusion, the article noted that disobedience to court judgments and orders is tantamount to dashing the last hope of the common man which the courts represents and recommends measures such as setting up of court judgments monitoring and compliance committee, review of legal framework governing the enforcement of court judgments in Nigeria to upscale penalty sections dealing with disobedience to “court judgments or orders” etc.