By Emmanuel Abi Couson
A leading Civil Society Organization in the justice sector, Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) Foundation has advocated for the immediate constitution of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in Kwara State.
Setting up of ACJMC, according to the Foundation, would go along way in ensuring proper monitoring of compliance in the implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Law of the state.
The call was part of the “Charter of Demand” at the end of the “Sustainable Advocacy Workshop and Citizens Town-Hall for Effective Oversight, Monitoring & Implementation of ACJL in Nigeria”.
Stakeholders at the 3-day workshop and town hall meeting included the representatives of the Police, EFCC, NSCDC, NCoS, Parole Board, the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, CSOs, Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council, NBA, FIDA among others.
The Charter of Demand was later presented by the Civil Society Observatory working on the implementation of ACJL to various state actors saddled with one responsibility or the other in the implementation of ACJL.
CLEEN Foundation is a leading organization within the justice sector and the project is being funded by MacArthur Foundation.
The Foundation observed that in 2019, Kwara State became one of the states that had domesticated the ACJA and since then the law has been an instrument of criminal justice administration in the state.
“However, there have been instances of violation and non-adherence to the provisions of ACJA which seems to undermine the objective of the law”.
“Thus, we demand that state actors abide and adhere to the provision of ACJL to ensure a safe and effective justice system in the state”.
The Foundation emphasized the need for the Police and other law enforcement agencies to avoid arrest by proxy. “Under no circumstances should a relative be arrested in lieu of a suspect as stipulated in the ACJL”.
“The interrogation should be in the presence of the suspect’s lawyer, relative or a CSO representative. Strict adherence to the provision of ACJL that no suspect should exceed a period of 24 hours in detention. Arresting authorities must also notify the suspects next of kin or relatives upon detention.
“There should be an end to all forms of torture during interrogation of suspects as stipulated in the ACJA. Bail should be accessible, non-exploitative and granted in accordance with legal provisions. We demand an end to denial of bail for bailable offences, excessive bail conditions and demand for money”.
The Foundation also demanded strict adherence to the provision of section 167(3) of ACJL 2015 which stipulates that women can stand surety for bail.
The Foundation through the Charter of Demand, also called on security agencies to maintain a comprehensive data base of exhibits to avoid the problem of missing exhibits.
The Foundation also stressed the need for the speedy trials of the defendants through the digitalisation of court processes. “We also demand for granting of pardon and option of fines for minor offences”.
While advocating for the separate facilities for minors and special courts for their trials, the Foundation noted that the convicted inmates observed to have exhibited good behaviour and are remorseful should be placed on parole and ultimately pardoned.
On the incidences of jail break, the organization called for adequate and conducive correctional facilities that will ensure reformation of inmates to prevent jail break.
“Adequate transportation for conveyance of inmates to and from the Court should also be provided”.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, described the event as a significant gathering which focused on institutional strengthening and sustainability engagement on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Regime.
“Your presence here today underscores our collective commitment to advancing justice sector reforms and ensuring the sustainability of the remarkable gains we have made in strengthening the criminal justice system in Nigeria”.
Speaking through Ray Frances Ene,
the Executive Director recalled that over the past two years, the CLEEN Foundation, in collaboration with critical stakeholders across eight states, has been deeply engaged in promoting the effective implementation of the ACJA/ACJL.
“Our collective efforts have yielded successes in advocacy, capacity building, policy reforms, and multi-stakeholder engagements. However, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring consistent application, adequate training, and sustainable monitoring mechanisms for justice sector reforms.
“This calls for deeper institutional strengthening, broader stakeholder coordination, and long-term commitment to sustaining these reforms.
“This engagement provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our journey so far, share experiences, and develop strategic pathways that will consolidate our progress and ensure the long-term impact of our work. The agenda for this meeting is carefully designed to equip civil society organizations, legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and other critical actors with the tools, knowledge, and collaborative frameworks necessary to drive continuous reform efforts.
“As we embark on these discussions, I urge everyone to actively participate, exchange insights, and contribute to shaping actionable recommendations that will strengthen justice sector oversight and enhance the sustainability of the ACJA/ACJL regime”.
The Programme Director for the Foundation, Dr Hashim Salahudeen, had highlighted some of the success stories the Foundation had recorded and the challenges ahead.
He called on the relevant stakeholders to be alive to their responsibilities in ensuring effective implementation of ACJA/ACJL.
