CLEEN Foundation, Stakeholders Collaborate to Enhance Implementation of ACJL in Benue

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Stakeholders in Benue State’s criminal justice system, in partnership with the CLEEN Foundation, have developed a state-specific action plan to ensure the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state.

According to our correspondent, the action plan was developed during a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop for policing, law enforcement, and judicial stakeholders held in Makurdi.

Acting Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, said the plan would enable criminal justice actors to identify key innovations, assign lead agencies for each, and establish practical steps and timelines for their implementation.

Maduoma, represented by Dr. Gabriel Akinremi, Lead Facilitator, noted that one of the key objectives of ACJL implementation was to bring together all actors in the criminal justice system to foster collaboration and coordination.

“In the context of ACJL, we want to explore how all the actors within the criminal justice sector in Benue can work together, collaborate effectively, and build synergy to achieve the law’s key innovations. We aim to ensure speedy trials, promote better outcomes, and enhance quick dispensation of justice. Justice is a right for everyone, not just a select few,” he stated.

He added that justice delivery must adhere to the timelines stipulated in the ACJL and that all provisions of the law must be implemented to ensure fairness and accountability.

Highlighting some of the major innovations introduced by the ACJL, Maduoma explained that the law prohibits arrest in lieu, meaning no person should be arrested in place of another. He also noted that women are now permitted to stand as sureties—a significant step towards eliminating gender bias and ensuring equality in justice administration.

Additionally, the law mandates that only qualified lawyers are permitted to handle criminal prosecutions to ensure cases are managed by individuals with adequate legal expertise and ethical grounding.

Maduoma further revealed that the creation of an electronic criminal record system was under consideration. The initiative aims to establish a unified database accessible to agencies such as the Police and EFCC to prevent data duplication and inconsistencies.

He explained that the workshop formed part of the activities under the “Strengthening Right-Based Approach to ACJA and Advancing Women, Peace, and Security in Nigeria” framework, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria. He also commended Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera and his team for their continued support and confidence in the CLEEN Foundation.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Innocent Emenari, represented by ACP Musa Okene, commended the initiative, noting that the training and action plan have provided police officers with deeper insights into the ACJL and would improve justice administration.

Similarly, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, represented by Chief Magistrate Peter Ogwuche, pledged the judiciary’s commitment to implementing the law and enhancing legal practice in the state.

The Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benue State branch, Mr. Kelvin Iorzenda, described the workshop as a laudable effort to strengthen the capacity of all actors in the justice sector.

“This initiative is not about enacting laws for formality’s sake but about ensuring their effective implementation. The ACJL, enacted in 2019, contains several progressive provisions, and this training ensures they are properly enforced. CLEEN Foundation deserves commendation for bringing together the police, DSS, NSCDC, Ministry of Justice, and private practitioners under one platform to promote justice reform,” Iorzenda added.