FCT Chief Judge, AGF, others call for reformed criminal justice system

The Chief Choose of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Husseini Yusuf, has emphasised the necessity for accountability, innovation, and collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s prison justice system.

Mr Yusuf, who additionally serves because the Chairman of the Administration of Felony Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), made the decision on Wednesday on the official launch of the 2024 annual report of the committee.

The report has the title, ‘Advancing Justice By way of Accountability: A 12 months of Progress and Reform in Abuja.’

Represented by a decide of the court docket, Peter Kekemeke, he talked about key reforms geared toward bettering the effectivity of the nation’s prison justice system.

“The previous 12 months has been monumental for the ACJMC, marked by outstanding progress and strategic reforms,” he mentioned.

“Our dedication to justice stays unwavering, and we’re devoted to making sure a good and accessible authorized system for all Nigerians.”

Key reforms and achievements

He mentioned the 2024 report showcases vital developments, together with the introduction of an digital submitting and case administration system for FCT Justice of the Peace Courts.

In keeping with him, the initiative goals to modernise judicial processes, cut back case backlogs, and improve transparency in authorized proceedings.

“As we embrace innovation and expertise, initiatives just like the e-filing and case administration system show our dedication to a extra environment friendly justice system,” Mr Yusuf mentioned

He additionally mentioned the ACJMC has developed and carried out new pointers for remand proceedings to make sure higher safety of suspects’ and defendants’ rights.

He added that the committee has additionally expanded coaching and capacity-building packages for authorized professionals and regulation enforcement officers to advertise adherence to judicial reforms and improve total effectivity within the administration of justice.

Mr Yusuf because the FCT Chief Choose mechanically grew to become ACJMC’s chairman by advantage of Part 471(2) of the Administration of Felony Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Members of the committee embody the Legal professional-Basic of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-Basic of Police (IGP), the Director-Basic of the Authorized Assist Council of Nigeria, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Federation, the Comptroller-Basic of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Others are the Govt Secretary of the Nationwide Human Rights Fee (NHRC), a consultant of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) engaged on Human Rights and Entry to Justice, a consultant of the Nigerian Bar Affiliation (NBA), and another particular person(s) the committee could co-opt for effectiveness.

Requires reform

In his keynote deal with, the Legal professional Basic of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised the ACJMC for its transformative function in Nigeria’s authorized system.

“This occasion marks a big milestone in our collective journey towards a extra environment friendly, clear, and simply prison justice system,” Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), mentioned.

“The 2024 Annual Report stands as documentary proof of the Committee’s relentless dedication, revolutionary methods, and collaborative efforts.”

He enumerated key achievements within the final 12 months together with the implementation of an e-filing and case administration system, developed in partnership with the Public and Non-public Growth Centre (PPDC), which is anticipated to streamline court docket processes and improve effectivity.

Additionally, the ACJMC has intensified efforts to implement the Administration of Felony Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, guaranteeing a uniform utility of the regulation and stronger safety of defendants’ rights.

He added that the Committee has strengthened remand monitoring procedures, requiring detention facility officers to current functions to court docket when remand orders expire, decreasing instances of illegal detention.

Regardless of these achievements, Mr Fagbemi acknowledged ongoing challenges, together with case delays and overcrowded detention services, stressing the necessity for continued stakeholder collaboration.

“The journey to a flawless justice system is advanced,” he admitted. “However collectively—by means of collaboration between authorities companies, civil society organizations, authorized practitioners, and public-spirited people—we are able to overcome these challenges.”

The Centre for Social Authorized Research (CSLS) additionally reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s prison justice reforms, pledging continued collaboration with the ACJMC.

Talking with journalists on the launch, Oyinloye Okpajobi, an assistant to the President of CSLS, Yemi Akinseye-George, emphasised the organisation’s longstanding partnership with ACJMC in advancing authorized accountability and effectivity.

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“CSLS has been a key collaborator with the ACJMC, and this report is a testomony to the strides we’ve got made in strengthening the justice system,” Ms Okpajobi mentioned.

She mentioned CSLS has labored intently with ACJMC on tasks to streamline case administration, enhance entry to justice, and guarantee compliance with judicial pointers.

Ms Okpajobi confused that sustained collaboration is critical to deal with systemic points comparable to case backlogs, inefficiencies, and human rights considerations inside Nigeria’s authorized framework.

“This report represents the collective effort of stakeholders dedicated to creating justice extra accessible and truthful,” he mentioned. “CSLS will stay an lively companion in guaranteeing these reforms translate into tangible enhancements for all Nigerians.”

In his goodwill message, Policespector Basic of, police, Kayode Egbetokun, additionally expressed the Nigeria Police Drive’s dedication to justice, equity, and accountability, acknowledging the ACJMC’s function in strengthening authorized reforms.