Oyo administration of Criminal Act to address inefficiency of criminal justice in Nigeria ― Oyo CJ

THE Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola, on Friday, stated that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as domesticated in Oyo state, has been acclaimed as a revolutionary piece of legislation seeking to address the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the Criminal Justice system in Nigeria.

Justice Abimbola, who made this known during the Inauguration of the monitoring committee of Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2016, the Oyo state of Nigeria at the Conference Hall of the High Court of Justice Complex at Ringroad in Ibadan, stated that there are new dimensions creeping into the crime world on a daily basis which appear to be more devastating on victims.

According to him, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as domesticated in Oyo State is the panacea to curbing such evolving trends in crime as it is aimed at ensuring that the system of criminal justice in the state promotes speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crime and protection of the rights and interests of both defendant and victim.

“The purpose of this Act is a paradigm shift in the Criminal Justice System of Nigeria from a punitive approach to a restorative approach towards the needs of the society, victims and human dignity.

Part 44, Section 457, of the Nigerian Criminal Justice system provides for the establishment and composition of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee with the Chief Judge as the chairman,” he stated.

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The Chief Judge explained that the committee is charged with the responsibility of ensuring effective and efficient application of the law by the relevant agencies and the committee will ensure criminal matters are speedily dealt with, reduce congestion of criminal cases in court, reduce prison congestion, curb detention of people awaiting trial and ensure a synergy between all agencies among other assignments.

Members of the committee aside the Chief Judge include the Attorney General, a judge from each division of the High Court, Director of Public Prosecution, Commissioner of Police, Comptroller of Prison, State Director of Human Rights Commission, chairmen of all local branches of Nigeria Bar Association in the state, State Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Deputy Chief Registrar and representatives of civil societies working on human right, access to justice or women rights.

The committee has the following subcommittee: decongestion of prison, non-custodial sentencing, sentencing guidelines, registered and licensing bonds of persons and committee on decongestion of Police and other law enforcement agencies places of detention.

Justice Abimbola admonished members of the committee to rise up to the challenge of reinforcing confidence in the Justice system particularly criminal justice and it’s trial process and commended the support and efforts of Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his unalloyed support and confidence in the leadership of the judiciary.

“This law has placed a grave responsibility in the hands of eminent and capable jurists, personalities and officers of various agencies present here today. It is therefore of great importance for members of the committee to familiarise themselves with the provisions of this law for its effective implementation. it is my belief that this committee shall put muscle to this law for its successful implementation in the state,” the Chief Judge concluded.

Responding on behalf of committee members, the President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Eni Esan, thanked the Chief Judge and promised that the committee will ensure that it carries out its assignment effectively for the upliftment of the state judiciary.