By Peter Amine
Stakeholders in the criminal justice system, with the support of the CLEEN Foundation, have developed a state-specific action plan for effective implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Benue.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the action plan was developed at a two-day workshop on ACJL capacity strengthening for policing/law enforcement and judicial stakeholders in Makurdi.
NAN also reports that the ACJL was enacted in Benue in 2019.
Mr Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, said that through the plan, criminal justice actors would identify key innovations, determine which agencies should take the lead on each one, and establish practical steps and timelines for implementation.
Maduoma, represented by Dr Gabriel Akinremi, Lead Facilitator, said one of the key objectives for ACJL implementation was to bring together all criminal justice actors and strengthen collaboration.
“In the context of ACJL, we want to explore how all the actors within the criminal justice sector in Benue can work together, collaborate effectively, and build synergy to achieve the law’s key innovations.
“We are looking at how they can jointly ensure speedy trials, promote better outcomes within the framework of the ACJL, and most importantly, enhance the quick dispensation of justice.
“Justice is a right for everyone, not just a select few. Therefore, justice delivery must remain paramount and be carried out within the timelines stipulated in the ACJL.
“Whatever the law prescribes as the standard procedure for criminal justice in Benue must be strictly implemented to ensure fairness and accountability,” he said.
The acting executive director noted that one of the major innovations brought by ACJL was the prohibition of arrest in lieu, meaning that no one should be arrested in place of another person.
“For example, if a suspect is unavailable, law enforcement officers can no longer arrest the suspect’s spouse, relative, or associate as a substitute.
“Another innovation is that women can now stand as sureties. Previously, this was not allowed, but under the ACJL, gender bias has been addressed, ensuring equal participation and fairness.
“Additionally, the law provides that only qualified lawyers, not individuals who attended short-term courses, are permitted to handle criminal prosecutions.
“The rationale is that trained lawyers possess the necessary legal knowledge and ethical grounding to ensure justice is properly served.
He added that one of the key innovations being considered was the creation of an electronic criminal record system.
“The goal is to develop a unified database so that the Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies work from the same set of records.”
Maduoma emphasised that the workshop was part of activities under the ”Strengthening Right-Based Approach to ACJA and Advancing Women, Peace, and Security in Nigeria” Framework.
He explained that the project, which was inaugurated on Aug. 26, is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria.
He lauded Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera and his team for the confidence reposed in the CLEEN Foundation.
In his remarks, the Benue Commissioner of Police, Innocent Emenari, said that the training and the eventual action plan have improved police officers knowledge about ACJL.
Emenari, represented by ACP Musa Okene, officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, restated the police commitment to ensuring smooth administration of criminal justice.
Similarly, the Chief Judge of Benue, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, said that the state would key into the law and ensure its implementation.
Ikpambese, represented by Mr Peter Ogwuche, a Chief Magistrate, said that the training would go a long way in enhancing the practice of law in the state.
In the same vein, Mr Kelvin Iorzenda, Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), described the workshop as a noble initiative to strengthen the capacity of all actors involved in the administration of criminal justice in the state.
“This effort is important because it’s not just about passing a law for cosmetic purposes; it’s about effectively implementing the excellent provisions contained in it.
“As you may know, the law was enacted in 2019, and it contains several useful and progressive provisions. However, the real challenge has been ensuring that those provisions are actually enforced and implemented,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker