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.