BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA
Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said the full domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, by states will soon end the escape of inter state criminals in the country.
Fagbemi said with the adoption of the Act by states, offenders can no longer move from state to state with a view to escaping justice, a term commonly known as Forum Shopping.
The AGF spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at a three-day Technical National Working Group Session Review and Validation of the National Minimum Standard Document for the implementation of ACJA, 2015.
To effectively curb acts of criminalities in Nigeria, Fagbemi canvassed the need to embrace the use of technology in the day-to-day administration of justice.
The AGF explained that the need to incorporate efficient use of technology into processes, systems and procedures for the advancement of the administration of criminal justice cannot be overemphasised.
He said the federal government enacted the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in 2015, with a view to ensuring harmonious implementation of criminal justice reforms across the federation.
According to him, the Act provides for the administration of criminal justice system which promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, 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.”
The AGF said the National Minimum Standards was developed as a tool to implement the ACJA and consolidate collaboration between stakeholders in justice delivery by ensuring that courts, both at the federal and state levels, apply similar standards in the implementation of criminal procedures and enforcement of criminal justice.
“It is to this end that the National Working Group on the implementation of criminal justice reform was set up.
“The National Working Group which comprises individuals and institutions of the federal and state governments including government agencies, civil society organisations, lawyers and other stakeholders, was set up to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders across the federation.
“The aim of setting up the National Working Group is to ensure that the National Minimum Standards for Implementation of ACJA receives input, recommendations and wide acceptance from stakeholders across board.
“It is important to note that the establishment of the National Working Group was in response to the outcomes from the National Stakeholders Forum which held in October 2023.
“At that Forum, participants unanimously recommended the establishment of the National Working Group to serve as the arrowhead for the implementation of criminal justice reforms across the country.
“I am therefore delighted that today, the recommendations of stakeholders has been implemented.
“I believe that in line with the recommendations of the forum, the National Working Group would be able to successfully galvanise and facilitate the implementation of ACJA and the National Minimum Standards.
“We have undoubtedly, come a long way since the enactment of ACJA in 2015. The National Minimum Standards was developed to serve as a catalyst for improved implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and the Administration of the Criminal Justice Laws of the various states (ACJA/ACJLs) by agencies of criminal justice administration at the federal and state levels.
“The document received support from relevant stakeholders including the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies under the leadership of Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN).
“I implore all the participants, members and stakeholders to cooperate with the national working group so that they can achieve their mandate in bringing about the significant improvement we all expect to see in the day to day dispensation of criminal justice.
“As I inaugurate the National Working Group today, I charge the members to work very hard to ensure the terms of reference of their engagement are actualized, particularly to address pertinent issues militating against harmonized implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as well as issues that affect the rights of individuals, such as the issue of persistent congestion of correctional centres in Nigeria.”
ISIEC Presents Certificate Of Return To 27 Imo LG Chairmen-elect
Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, yesterday, presented Certificates of Return to the winners of Saturday’s local government chairmanship election.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, won the 27 chairmanship and 305 councillorship positions.
Presenting the certificates, ISIEC chairman, Charles Ejiogu said the presentation of the certificates was in line with the provisions of the law.
He said certificates of return for the vice chairmen and councillors would be presented to them “in the next couple of days.
“What has just happened is the concrete demonstration of the will and determination of the people to express themselves democratically in an atmosphere devoid of bitterness and rancour.
“Observers have adjudged that the election was very peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible,” Ejiogu said.
He commended Imo residents for their understanding and unflinching support to the commission.
He also commended Goverbor Hope Uzodumma for providing the enabling environment for the commission to carry out its statutory responsibility.
He also thanked security agencies, the media and 17 political parties that participated in the polls for their various supports.
NAN reports that two of the 27 chairmen-elect are females, while 14 other females emerged as vice chairpersons of various councils.
In an interview, the Chairperson-elect for Okigwe, Mrs Nkechi Mbonu, commended the governor for giving her the opportunity to serve as council chairman.
Mbonu, who pledged to drive the development of the council, also appreciated her people for deeming it necessary to elect her.
“I am happy because I am the first woman to sit on the council as elected chairman. I thank God who made it possible for me,” she said.
Also, the Chairman-elect for Njaba LGA, Mr Vitalis Obi, commended Uzodimma and the people of the area for the confidence reposed ion him.
He promised to tackle insecurity in the area and improve infrastructure, agriculture and health sectors of the area. (NAN)
