Efforts for the smooth implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021 (ACJL), has been floated by the state government through workshops for stakeholders.
The first of the workshops organised by the government in conjunction with the British Council under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) was to intimate the Magistrates with salient provisions in the amended ACJL Law.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, represented by the Solicitor General, Ms Titilayo Shutta-Bey, stated the workshop will enable stakeholders, particularly the Magistrates to “familiarize and dissect the new provisions of ACJL with a view to effectively implement and build on the progress made so far in justice delivery.”
Reviewing the position of the law, the Attorney General noted the ACJL was first passed in 2007 and amended in 2011, stating the amendment in the law was necessary to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system is protected as enshrined in the Constitution.
He submitted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accented to the law to further strengthen the justice system and equally addressing delay in the administration of criminal justice.
The AG was of the opinion that for the fact that the According to him, the workshop for the Magistrates is pivotal as they play a huge role in decongesting of the Correctional Facilities, being the major stakeholder before a suspect is remanded into custody. He noted that Magistrate Courts handle about 65% of the criminal cases in the State, and are responsible for handling minor offences summarily.
The government highlighted the various Amendments and innovations, which has set the pace for other States.
The AG noted that in addition to the overview of the ACJL Law 2021; the workshop will also address the implementation of Restorative justice and other non-custodial measures such as Community sentencing, Plea Bargain amongst others.
Those who rendered their expertise at the workshop include Hon. Justice Adenike Coker, Mr Joseph Otteh, Founder Access to Justice, Director, Lagos Multidoor Court House, Mrs Adeyinka Aroyewun, Director, Lagos State Community Service Unit, Ms Shakirat Kotun amongst others.
