Stakeholders Seek More Funding For Criminal Justice Reforms

Stakeholders in the justice sector have called for stronger collaboration, improved funding, police reforms and full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) to ensure speedy and fair dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

The call was made during a series of advocacy engagements organised by the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS) in partnership with its local partners including civil society organisations (CSOs), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ministry of Justice officials, the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and the Legal Aid Council.

According to the communique at the end of advocacy tour to Calabar, Cross River State, signed by the project lead, Dr Innih Archibong, and made available to journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the sensitisation meetings deepened awareness, strengthened capacity and fostered collaboration among the stakeholders in the criminal justice system to enhance the implementation of the ACJL in Cross River and beyond.

Speaking during the engagements, the Project Lead, Dr. Innih Archibong, who is also the Executive Director of Liberty Now, explained that the advocacy visits were designed to build synergy among stakeholders and improve understanding of the law for effective justice delivery.

According to him, Cross River State was one of the first States in Nigeria to domesticate the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, stressing that those charged with implementing the law, especially the Police, Judiciary and Correctional Services, must fully understand its provisions to prevent abuse and injustice.

Dr. Archibong lamented that despite efforts made by HURILAWS and other partners in supporting the passage and implementation of the law through research, media advocacy, workshops and publications, many suspects were still being detained without adequate opportunity to defend themselves.

He also decried poor funding and lack of modern facilities within the Police Force, warning that unresolved injustice could pose serious dangers to the society.

“Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done. Injustice, if left unchecked, can lead to doom in the society,” he stated.

During a meeting with the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rashid Afegbua, the HURILAWS team advocated for continuous reforms, training and improved welfare for Police personnel.

Responding, CP Afegbua appreciated the advocacy group for the visit and acknowledged the challenges confronting the Police Force.

He noted that the current security realities and provisions of the Police Act require periodic review and called for sustained training and retraining of officers, particularly junior personnel, to improve professionalism and policing standards.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that continued collaboration with HURILAWS and other stakeholders would strengthen justice administration in the state.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar branch, chairman Barrister Enome Amatey, described the pursuit of justice as a collective responsibility, adding that the NBA had continued to champion advocacy and institutional partnerships to strengthen the justice system.

He, however, identified poor funding and inadequate facilities as major obstacles affecting effective justice administration.

Corroborating the concerns, the vice chairman of the NBA, Mr. Triumph Paul, argued that beyond funding and logistics, the “human factor” within the Police Force remained a major challenge.