Ikeja: Stakeholders in the judiciary sector have underscored the need for sustained efforts aimed at promoting the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. The stakeholders made this known at a two-day workshop organised by Cleen Foundation in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop, held in Ikeja, was tagged: ‘Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL); Capacity Strengthening Workshop for Policing, Law Enforcement and Judicial Stakeholders’. In her opening remarks, Programme Adviser of Cleen, Mrs Blessing Abiri, mentioned that the workshop was part of a project titled ‘Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria’. The project, launched in August, is being implemented across 12 states in Nigeria. Abiri emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, technical knowledge, and reforms to ensure a consistent and fair application of the ACJL.
Dr Babajide Martins, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, commended Cleen for its commitment to improving criminal justice administration. Representing the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), Martins stated that the ministry recognizes the importance of ACJL in promoting efficiency in criminal jurisprudence. He assured that the ministry would review recommendations from the workshop and refer areas needing amendment to the House of Assembly.
Mrs Joy Ugbomoiko, a Magistrate representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, noted that the ACJL 2021 (as amended) introduced several innovations to harmonize justice administration. This includes provisions against arresting family members in place of suspects and the use of CCTV recordings for confessional statements. She highlighted improved cooperation between the police and judiciary, positively impacting justice delivery and reducing rights infringement.
DSC Onimisi Osho, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Lagos Command, called for synergy and mutual understanding among state actors to achieve an efficient justice system. He stressed the importance of intra-agency cooperation, trust-building, and knowledge exchange in ensuring respect for human rights within the justice system.
Mr Awodun Adedayo, Legal Officer of the Lagos command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), lauded the initiative by Cleen, describing the workshop as timely and essential for improving national development and institutional performance.