Implementation of provisions of ACJL 2017 in Abia Will make for better justice dispensation – CTA tasks Security Agencies, Judiciary

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice Abia State has called for effective implementation of The Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017 of Abia State in order to enhance fair and fast dispensation of justice, reduced rights violation, and the rebuilding of public confidence in the rule of law.

Speaking during a One-day Capacity building on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2017 for Security Personnel and Judicial Officers in the state with the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law Through Effective Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law in Abia State”, the Executive Director of the CTA Faith Nwadishi maintained that the purpose of the training was to enlighten citizens and educate them on the provisions of the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017 and how to benefit from that piece of legislation through effective implementation by those concerned such as security agencies, correctional services, the judiciary, and other stakeholders.

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Also speaking, the Facilitator, Chiemezielam Oluoha Steve, a legal practitioner reeled out and explained the provisions of the ACJL including the rights of citizens which she said are often abused, contrary to the provision of the ACJL 2017.

Oluoha-Steve read the part of the law which states that “Police shall terminate an investigation where it is found that the complaints against a suspect are unfounded and the reason for the termination of the investigation shall be recorded in the Police Diary and the suspect shall be leased if in detention.”

“The Police officer conducting an investigation may apply for a search warrant from the High Court or Magistrate Court or Justice of Peace for a search warrant as the nature of the case warrants.”

She also highlighted part of the law which states that if a person is arrested by the police, the person should be granted access to his family members or others close to them without hesitation.

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The event supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme ROLAC, saw the presence of representatives of security agencies; the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service, Judicial officers as well as the media as acknowledged by CTA Programs/Communication Manager Ekemezie MacDonald.

Ekemezie, while speaking at the event highlighted the workshop’s goal of enlightening citizens and addressing key issues in the criminal justice system, such as improper extraction of confessions, detainee mistreatment, delayed justice, poor inmate conditions, unauthorized detentions, and the unsanitary state of correctional facilities.