The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN says the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, is to ensure harmonious implementation of criminal justice reforms across the federation.
Fagbemi said this at the opening of a three-day Review and Validation of the National Minimum Standards Document for the implementation of ACJA and the Inauguration of the National Working Group on the implementation of ACJA/ACJLs 2015.
The minister was represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the ministry Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba.
The three-day event was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC11) Programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
He said that validation of the National Minimum Standards was developed as a tool to implement the ACJA and consolidate collaboration between stakeholders in justice delivery.
He also noted that the ACJA 2015 acts provides for the administration of criminal justice system which promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice.
“It also provides for the protection of the society from crimes and protection of the rights and interest of the suspect, the defendant and victims in Nigeria.
“The adoption of the act by states also ensures that offenders cannot move from state to state with a view to escaping justice, a term commonly known as Forum Shopping.
“Thus, with improved and uniform implementation of criminal justice reforms across the country, there will be no escape route for criminals, which will in turn contribute to socio-economic development in Nigeria’’.
He urged stakeholders to work together by ensuring that courts, both at the federal and state level, apply similar standards in the implementation of criminal procedures and enforcement of criminal justice.
“I urge all participants, members, and stakeholders to cooperate with the national working group so that they can achieve their mandate in bringing about the significant improvement.
“With concerted efforts of stakeholders, it is my hope that members will be able to deliberate and come up with pragmatic and innovative solutions to address these problems’’.
He said that it was clear that Nigeria cannot have an effective criminal justice system without accurate data which will drive planning and aid administration of Justice.
“Another critical area that deserves attention is the issue of the availability of accessible data in our criminal justice system.
“Under the ACJA/ACJLs, provisions have been made for the collection of data, periodic reporting of data to the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Attorneys General.
“However, this has been poorly implemented, I, therefore, implore you to proffer practical measures to ensure compliance with these provisions,’’ he added.
Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms in her speech said the initiative stemmed from the growing need for a unified framework that would address the persistent gaps in the justice sector.
Ayoola-Daniels said that since the enactment of the ACJA in 2015, the law has been adopted by all states, each with slight variations under their ACJLs.
She, however, noted some challenges are being experienced by both the states and the federal in the implementation of justice in the nation.
“Some of these challenges include court congestion, unavailability of data, delayed trials and a lack of uniformity in criminal justice processes.
“This is why we are gathered here today, to finalize a document that will not only serve as a standard template across jurisdictions but also drive uniformity and efficiency in the implementation of these laws’’.
Chairman Bodies of States Attorneys-General, Dr Ben Odoh, who was represented by the Nassarawa AG, Labaran Shaibu Magaji described the new move as significant, capable of creating a balance, inclusive justice system.
“A justice system that will not only safeguards rights of all parties but will also strengthen legal frameworks.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there were other speakers from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), The Nigerian Police, ICPC, EFCC, NCoS among others. (NAN)
