News
Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System Has Recorded Significant Improvement, Says Akinseye-George, SAN

Joseph Ebi Kanjo|Benin
The President, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, has said that despite the challenges facing Nigeria’s criminal justice system, it has no doubt recorded some significant improvements in the dispensation of criminal justice since the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL).
Akinseye-George made the remarks at a two-day workshop on the National Minimum Standard for effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws in states.
The president, who made his opening remarks virtually at the two days capacity building workshop in Benin, said the workshop was aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of the National Minimum Standard for the implementation of the ACJL/ACJA by members of the public.
Akinseye-George, who said the programme was being held across six states where RoLAC is working to improve the justice system, added: “The purpose of the workshop is to promote a deeper understanding by the participants and the general public of the National Minimum Standard for effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws in states.”
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The President, while describing the
National Minimum Standard as a document that has brought together in a single document the most salient features of the ACJL/ACJA of various states, disclosed that it is a document that has been accepted by the body of Attorney-Generals, Solicitor-Generals, Permanent Secretaries of Ministries, among others.
“The body of Attorney Generals of the country under the chairmanship of the Attorney-General of the Federation has adopted the National Minimum Standard as a basis for implementing reforms and measuring impacts by justice sector agencies and operatives.
“The National Minimum Standard document has also been adopted by Solicitor Generals and Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Justice across the country.”
Also speaking, Ugochukwu Emmanuel of the CSLS, said the workshop was to review the implementation and the adoption of the National Minimum Standard, a document, which according to him, “we intend states to adopt for the effective implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Laws.”
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He added: “The essence of the training was to access the level of adoption of the National Minimum Standard in Edo, stressing that “this is the first phase of this project.”
On her part, Mrs. Esosa Osula, Coordinator of the programme , said contributions from participants at the workshop showed that key players in the justice system are ready to embrace the National Minimum Standard.
Osula, who was one of the facilitators at the workshop, while thanking his Lordship Hon. Justice William Aziegbemi, for his immense contributions and guide at the workshop, expressed optimism that participants would take it from where the workshop stopped as regards the implementation of the National Minimum Standard for the implementation of ACJL.
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, Barrister Idemudia Iredia-Osifo, while acknowledging the fact that the ACJL came with its challenges since its enactment, promised to give all necessary support for the full implementation in the state.
Also lending her voice, the Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers in Edo State, Fransisca Edema, said her members are doing their best for the full implementation of the ACJL through enlightenment of clients and other activities.
On his part, the Director, Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), Edo State, Mr. Orobosa Okunbor, said: “We have moved beyond where we were as regards the implementation of the ACJL in Edo State.
“But there are still some challenges regarding resources. Also working with security agencies concerned has been challenging. We are a state government agency while the security agencies are federal, so there is a challenge.”
The two days workshop attracted representative of Attorney-General of the state, judges in the state including Hon. Justice William Aziegbemi, representatives from the the state Ministry of Justice; members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin branch; members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Correctional Service, among others.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
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Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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