Enugu Govt Denies ₦50,000 Petition Fee Allegation, Reaffirms Justice Is Free and Transparent

The Enugu State Government has dismissed reports alleging that the Ministry of Justice demanded ₦50,000 before accepting petitions, describing the claim as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration.

In a statement released on Friday by Chukwuemeka Nebo, Director of Information at the Ministry of Information and Communication, the government clarified that the Ministry only collects official statutory processing fees from legal practitioners seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of public documents, fiats, or related services — payments that are remitted directly into government accounts.

“The Ministry of Justice only requests practitioners seeking certified true copies of documents or similar services to pay approved processing fees, as obtained in other public institutions, including Nigerian courts,” the statement explained.

It emphasized that crime victims and lawyers handling pro bono cases are exempted from such payments, stressing that the charges are not new taxes and do not go into private pockets.

The government firmly stated that no fees are required for the submission or review of petitions, complaints, or justice requests, calling the allegation a “smear campaign” by individuals opposed to the reforms and accountability under the Mbah administration.

“These publications are nothing but a sinister smear campaign by those opposed to accountability and excellence. The allegations are unfounded and misguided, masterminded by people threatened by the remarkable achievements of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration, particularly in the justice sector,” the statement read.

The release also questioned the credibility of the report, noting that it allegedly relied on unverified hearsay from a dispatch rider, without confirming details with the Attorney General or Ministry officials. The government demanded an immediate retraction of the “false and defamatory” publication.

Describing Dr. Kingsley Udeh (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as a man of “impeccable integrity and professionalism,” the government reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice in Enugu remains free, fair, and transparent.

“Dr. Udeh remains committed to ensuring that justice in Enugu State is free to those who need it, administered with excellence, delivered promptly, and guided by fairness and transparency. His office remains open to all citizens during visiting hours,” the statement said.

Highlighting major achievements in the justice sector, the statement cited reforms including:

• Digitalisation and automation of judicial processes (e-filing, virtual hearings, and case management systems)
• Capacity-building programmes for judges and court staff on digital operations
• Expansion of Multi-Door Courthouses and Citizens’ Rights and Mediation Centres
• Establishment of the Witness Support Fund and other victim-assistance programmes
• Introduction of e-services to fast-track justice delivery and enhance transparency

The government noted that petitions and complaints are now handled free of charge and within record time, with cases that once took weeks or months now completed in days.

“These reforms have been widely acknowledged by stakeholders and the media as central to Governor Mbah’s mission of building an accessible, efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly justice system,” the statement concluded.

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