The Federal government has tasked Magistrates across the country to conduct periodic oversight of police stations or other places of detention so as to uncover cases of human rights violation in various detention centers.
The task was given at the opening of a two-day workshop of the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee for the southeast geo-political zone on the implementation of sections 29, 33 and 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 in Owerri, Imo State.
A statement from the Ministry of Justice said the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), who is the Chairman of the Committee, noted that it has become imperative for magistrates to conduct the oversight on detention centers as a way of addressing prison congestion and cases of abuse allegedly taking place in detention centers across the country.
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The workshop, which was attended by magistrates, legal practitioners, and various security agencies including the police, prisons officials, Civil Defense and officials of the Department of State Security (DSS), aimed at reforming the criminal justice administration and promotion of the rule of law.
The exercise was the aftermath of the validation and adoption of the report of the 2018 workshop, which saw the need to train those saddled with the responsibility of implementing the ACJA. The provisions of the identified sections were also explained to the participants.
According to Apata, the magistrate has the right to direct the police station on the arraignment of suspects, advise on bail and grant bail where necessary, work towards improving public perception of security agencies and compliant with ACJA provisions as well as promote accountability and transparency in criminal justice administration.
Apata nevertheless expressed appreciation to Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha for hosting the workshop, as well as stakeholders and development partners for their support and collective effort at reforming the justice system.
Addressing the gathering, Ihedioha who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Gerald Irona, expressed appreciation to the Federal government for the collaboration, saying it would enhance justice delivery for the common good of the citizenry.
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