The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF) Abubakar Malami SAN has stated that the Federal Ministry of Justice as a leading stakeholder in the Administration of Justice will continue to support stakeholders to ensure that the reformation of the justice sector aligns with international best practices.
HAGF stated this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of a 2-Day workshop on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 for Police Prosecutors in the North Central Zone, in Abuja on May 3rd-4th, 2023.
Malami explained that the workshop is organized to facilitate the proper and effective implementation of the Act by the Nigeria Police Prosecutors especially in the areas of ensuring that criminal matters are speedily dealt with so as to bring about a sustainable decongestion of Correctional Centres across the country.
Representing the HAGF, Director Public Prosecution(DPP) Mohammed Abubakar Babadoko Esq. pointed that the fundamental principles and essentials of the ACJA remain unchanged and they include abolition of stay of criminal proceedings, abolition of leave to prefer charge, abolition of holding charge, effective case management by trial courts, witness protection, abolition of lay prosecution, establishment of central criminal records registry, women as sureties, respect for the fair trial, rights of defendants including the Miranda rights, sentencing guidelines, bargaining guidelines and amongst others.
The Honourable Minister noted that recently the Senate passed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2022 and some of the major innovations contained in the Bill are express abolition of the practice of Trial within Trial which delays criminal proceedings, continuation of hearing, and filing of defence witness deposition to promote speedy trial of criminal cases and amongst others.
According to him, the training will focus on improving pre-trial Justice under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA),2015:the role of the police, conducting effective investigation: police powers and rights of a suspect under the Nigerian Criminal justice system, Settlement Agreements and plea-bargaining-guidance for the police, understanding the Guidelines for prosecutors, and amongst others.
Malami said, “I am hopeful that this workshop will indeed bring about effective prosecution under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 and Police Act”.
HAGF thanked the Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba CFR for his dedication and commitment to the reformation of the Criminal Justice Sector and demonstrable zeal towards the achievement of the implementation process.
In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary (SGF/PS) Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy Agba, OON, mni explained that, despite the excitement elicited by the innovations introduced by ACJA 2015, there has been a need to improve on its effectiveness and implementation hence the recent passage by the senate of the ACJA Bill 2022.
Jedy-Agba who was represented by the Director Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department Leticia Ayoola-Daniels (Mrs) further explained that, it showed the commitment of the government to the strengthening of the criminal justice system.
‘’The police undoubtedly remains an indispensable stakeholder in the Administration of Criminal Justice being the first point of contact between citizens and the criminal justice system. The police play crucial roles in enhancing law and order s through the performance of a constellation of functions such as prevention of crimes, detection, investigation and apprehension of offenders and enforcement of the law’’ SGF/PS explained.
She said that the success of any aspect of criminal justice administration depends on the level of effective implementation by the agencies involved.
Jedy-Agba added that it’s paramount to have continuous workshops and trainings on the provisions of the Act for maximum positive results in the dispensation of functions.
Commissioner of Police Legal, Ochogwu Ogbe W.A, who represented the Inspector General of Police in his goodwill message said that full implementation of ACJA would help to have a better Nigeria and a better Police force.
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu, Esq. in his goodwill message said they were delighted to be part of the workshop which aims to improve the quality of justice delivery in the country and promote respect for human rights.
Represented by Deputy Director Legal, NHRC, Mrs Pwadumdi Okoh, he said, ‘’We recognize that the administration of criminal justice is often a complex and challenging task, and we are here to support you in this endeavour. Through this workshop, we hope to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out your duties effectively, while upholding human rights standards.
Ogochukwu Igboamalu
For: Director (Information)
