By Linus Ogbu, Lafia
Stakeholders of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Nasarawa State have called for robust cooperation and synergy towards smooth implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state.
They made this call at end of the two day capacity building training, organised by Law Hub Advocacy Development Center (LHADC), with support from MacArthur Foundation on Thursday, in Lafia.
The theme of the two days program is”Assessment of the implementation of the Nasarawa state Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2018″.
Allu Danjuma Esq, Office in charge/ Prosecution Section, Nasarawa State Police Command, said in a paper presentation that police remain an indispensable stakeholder in the administration of criminal justice.
Danjuma said ACJL gives police officers the necessary legal backing to use all lawful means to avert or suppress the commission of crimes.
According to him, there is no doubt that the provisions of the law geared towards curbing the lacuna in the existing law to conform with the ACJA and international best practices around the World.
“There is need for cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders of the criminals justice system within the state; police officers, others law enforcement officers, lawyers, judges, magistrates, prison officials, state counsel,” he said.
Wukari Luka, Assistant Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nasarawa state command, said full implementation of ACJL in Nasarawa state would help in the decongestion of custodial centres across correctional formation in the state.
He disclosed that about 300 inmates, under Nasarawa State Command are undergoing various levels of educational programmes in the state.
Luka said the Command committed to investing in public safety through a secured correctional service system and rehabilitation of the inmates.
Isaac Edoh, Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice,
in a paper presentation, said ACJL would revolutionise the criminal justice system Stakeholders applaud ACJA, call for robust synergy in Nasarawa in the state if effectively implemented by the implementing institutions.
“It will be necessary that the law is fully popularised and disseminated not only to the law enforcement agencies and stakeholders in the criminals justice system but the entire public to ensure the protection of the rights of persons guaranteed under the law,” he said.
