Oyo judiciary will integrate Justices of Peace in criminal justice —CJ

The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Muntar Abimbola, has stated that though the state judiciary does not appoint lay magistrates, it is prepared to look for ways to create a very good synergy between the Justices of the Peace, especially those appointed with the backing of the right section of the law and integrate them into the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Justice Abimbola made the declaration during an interactive session between him and the national executive of the Justices of Peace at the Conference Room of the High Court of Justice, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

According to him, it is possible for a Justice of Peace to function as a Magistrate or President of the Customary Court on a contractual basis to carry out mediation in disputes, direct post mortem, disperse tumultuous assembly and maintain peace as provided by the rules of their appointment.

He, however, explained that the section under which a Justice of the Peace is appointed under the law determines the kind of responsibility such a person can undertake.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Justice of the Peace, Elder Ayo Ojebode, asked the chief judge to assist in mentoring, developing and expanding the movement.