The Imo State Level Working Group on Administration of Criminal Justice Law has urged all relevant stakeholders to join hands to see to the full implementation of all provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Imo State, starting with the constitution of the Imo State Justice Sector Reform Team (in the Law referred to as “the ISJSRT”).
- +Imo group calls for justice reforms implementation
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting held in Owerri over the weekend, the Chairperson of the Working Group in the state, His Worship, Ogochukwu Uzoechi, noted that Imo State’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), No.
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting held in Owerri over the weekend, the Chairperson of the Working Group in the state, His Worship, Ogochukwu Uzoechi, noted that Imo State’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), No. 2 of 2020, was enacted to reform and strengthen the criminal justice system in the state.
“The law contains numerous progressive and impactful provisions designed to ensure fairness, efficiency, accountability, and respect for human rights throughout the criminal justice process”.
“Unfortunately, many provisions are not being fully implemented. This issue inspired the formation of our advocacy group, whose main goal is to ensure the effective implementation of ACJL in the state.
“Our organization operates voluntarily and does not receive salaries for the services we provide. We are dedicated to advancing access to justice and ensuring the faithful implementation of the provisions outlined in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). Our initiatives are supported by the CLEEN Foundation and the Norwegian Embassy. Through their assistance, we have been able to raise public awareness of key provisions of the ACJL, advocate for enhanced access to justice, develop institutional capacity for the effective enforcement of the ACJL, and provide legal support to indigent defenders who frequently face challenges navigating the legal system.
“The ACJL emphasizes and calls for collaboration among all stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), legal practitioners, the judiciary, correctional institutions, and civil society organizations”.
“The ACJL governs every stage of criminal proceedings, beginning from the arrest of a suspect, the taking of statements, investigation, prosecution, trial, judgment, and even the treatment of convicted persons within correctional centres. It provides a comprehensive procedural framework aimed at ensuring justice and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
“One of the most commendable features of the law is its emphasis on non-custodial measures and restorative justice. The law recognises that not every offender should be sentenced to imprisonment. Instead, alternative measures such as probation, community service, and other non-custodial sentences may be imposed where appropriate.
“The ACJL also provides clear guidelines on the arrest of suspects. Law enforcement agencies are required to conduct arrests professionally and with respect for human dignity. The use of excessive force or violence during arrest is discouraged, as every suspect remains a citizen entitled to constitutional protection”.
