The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the Ebonyi State Government, has taken a significant step to educate stakeholders about the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015. This initiative was formalized during a national sensitization workshop held in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, on December 8, 2024.
A Workshop Aimed at Bridging Gaps, organized by the Federal and Ebonyi State Ministries of Justice, addressed key institutional challenges hindering the full implementation of the ACJA. Specifically, sections 29, 30, 32, and 34 of the Act, domesticated as the Criminal Justice Law of Ebonyi State in 2019, remain partially implemented due to these gaps.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, emphasized the workshop’s purpose to build stakeholder capacity. Represented by Felix Ota-Okojie, Secretary of the Federal Justice Reform Coordinating Committee, he highlighted section 34 of the Act, which empowers magistrates to prevent unwarranted detention by monitoring police cells.
The workshop also shed light on section 29, requiring Commissioners of Police to provide quarterly arrest and investigation reports to state Attorneys-General. Fagbemi noted that full implementation of the Act would reduce congestion in correctional facilities and improve justice delivery.
Ebonyi State’s Attorney General, Barrister Ben Uruchi Odo, revealed that the state had made significant strides in implementing the Act but faced challenges in executing sections 30, 34, and 35. He expressed optimism that the workshop would clarify institutional roles and foster effective collaboration among stakeholders.
Government Leadership and Vision
The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, who represented Governor Francis Nwifuru, declared the workshop open. She praised the synergy between the state government and judiciary, affirming that the workshop would further strengthen the justice system and ensure timely reforms.
The workshop brought together magistrates, lawyers, security personnel, and other stakeholders to chart a collaborative path forward. This united effort aims to ensure the efficient implementation of critical sections of the ACJA in Ebonyi State.
