Judges, security agencies and lawyers have called for innovative solutions towards strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice law in Ekiti State.
They stated this during a summit on the Administration of Criminal Justice in Ekiti State with the theme: “Attaining Best Practices in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Ekiti State: Towards a Paradigm Shift” hosted by the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association in Ekiti State.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), stated that the administration of criminal justice is a critical component of any society, including Ekiti State.
In his address, he highlighted the progress Ekiti State has made since the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in 2014, which has led to more efficient case trials, reduction in the number of awaiting trial inmates and better protection of defendants’ rights.
Despite these advancements, he noted persistent challenges including overcrowded correctional centres, delayed trials, inadequate legal representation for indigent defendants, funding for witnesses and interpreters, insufficient magistrate visits to Police Stations, the need to establish criminal justice committees and issues with lay prosecutors in Magistrate Courts.
While calling for collaboration among stakeholders to find innovative solutions and adopt international best practices, he noted that the summit was organized to bring together key stakeholders to share knowledge and develop strategies to strengthen institutions like the Police, Courts and Correctional Services, with a focus on improving accountability, transparency and efficiency in the system.
Also, the Acting Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye acknowledged persistent challenges in the criminal justice system, including prison congestion, trial delays, human rights abuses and violations during investigations, infrastructural deficiencies, among others.
He also noted the lack of policy frameworks and institutional structures needed to implement novel legal provisions effectively aimed at addressing some major problems like plea bargain, alternatives to imprisonment, investigative protocols, remand protocols, sentencing principles and guidelines, witness/victim protection, restorative justice etc.
He emphasized the need for collective and sustained efforts by all stakeholders and participants present to be active and also contribute tangibly towards the achievement of the programme which is to explore and exploit ways and means of strengthening our criminal justice institutions, promote accountability, protect human rights and adopt innovative practices that can enhance a greater efficiency and effectiveness.
In his keynote address, Hon. Justice Rahman Oshodi highlighted Lagos State’s experience with Criminal Justice Reforms, offering practical insights for Ekiti State.
Highpoint of the event is a panel discussion on practical approaches to improving justice delivery in the State on topics including; pre-trial detention, case management, the rights of defendants and full length discussion on Form K.