CSLS, FMoJ Launch National Minimum Standards Document In Abuja, Train Rangers
…AGF, Justice Tsoho Seek Enhanced Application Of ACJA/ACJL Provisions
Daily Metro News NG
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho have advocated for enhanced application of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws enacted by states and the FCT during the launch of National Minimum Standards (NMS) document in Abuja.
They said it was necessary to ensure continuous promotion of the ACJA/ACJL and the National Minimum Standards (NMS) as a measure to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
Fagbemi and Justice Tsoho spoke in Abuja on last week Tuesday at “the ACJA/ACJL Rangers Training and the launch of the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the implementation of the ACJA and state Criminal Justice Laws,” with participants from across the country.
The event was organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Justice by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) Programme.
Fagbemi, who was represented by the Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels emphasised the importance of the NMS in the workings of the nation’s criminal justice system.
The AGF said: “The NMS is a groundbreaking tool aimed at harmonizing the implementation of the ACJA and ACJLs across the federation.
“By establishing consistent guidelines, we aim to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of criminal justice processes nationwide.
“This alignment will be invaluable for addressing disparities, reducing delays, and ensuring that justice is accessible and equitable for all Nigerians.
“The NMS identifies and addresses areas where compliance falls short, develops strategies to raise awareness among the general public about the provisions and implications of these laws, and achieves a benchmark for the implementation of ACJA and ACJL across the country to fast-track dispensation of justice,” the AGF said.
Justice Tsoho, who was represented by the Director of Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) at the Federal High Court, Mrs. Zainab Biu commended those behind the initiative.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court noted that the ACJA is a comprehensive response to the challenges that have long plagued our criminal justice system; challenges such as delays, human rights abuses, and a lack of transparency.
Let us all pledge our support to the ACJA Rangers and the National Minimum Standards. Together, we can build a criminal justice system that truly serves the interests of justice and upholds the rights of all Nigerians,
He was confident that the NMS will further strengthen the implementation of the ACJA, by providing clear benchmarks for all stakeholders.
“These standards will serve as a guide for judges, prosecutors, defence attorneys, law enforcement officers, and other justice sector actors, ensuring consistency and uniformity in the application of the law.
“Let us all pledge our support to the ACJA Rangers and the National Minimum Standards. Together, we can build a criminal justice system that truly serves the interests of justice and upholds the rights of all Nigerians,” Justice Tsoho said.
The President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) said the standard required for the effectiveness of the criminal justice system was for the Federal Government and every state of the federation to bring their Administration of Criminal Justice legislation into conformity with the agreed National Minimum Standards.
Akinseye-George added that under the NMS, all ACJ legislation in the country is required to provide for the following:
*Prosecutions of crimes are handled by legally trained persons, thereby abolishing lay police prosecutors. (Section 106 of the ACJA 2015)
*Prohibition of stay of criminal proceedings on account of an interlocutory appeal. (Section 306 of the ACJA 2015)
*Provision of a clear time frame for trials, and other case management measures including a pre-trial case management system; day-to-day trials, and limitations on the number and duration of adjournment of criminal cases. (Section 396 of the ACJA 2015.
*Creation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) or an equivalent body as the institution to monitor and coordinate compliance and implementation of the ACJ Legislation. (Section 496 of ACJA 2015).
The 2-Day event saw ACJA/ACJL Rangers trained on the application of the NMS for effective implementation of the ACJA/ACJL across the country.