The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Tuesday, stated that all the 36 states of the federation have adopted their versions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

Describing the move as a remarkable achievement, the AGF noted that the feat reflected a shared national commitment to fairness, equity, accountability, and efficiency in criminal justice.   

Fagbemi gave the hint in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting for the final review and validation of the Draft Administration of the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill.

The Federal Ministry of Justice is in collaboration with the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC).

The CSLS President, Prof Yemi Akinseye-George, while speaking earlier lauded the stakeholders’ gathering for re-examining the proposed amendment of ACJA.

He said it has created opening for all to critically look at it again, especially the shortcomings, in order to enhance the system.

There were other speakers from the Federal High Court, the DPPF, Nigerian Police Force, NDLEA, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, and ACJMC, among others.

The AGF, while speaking further, noted that legislation alone cannot solve all the problems in the criminal justice systems adding: “A decade after the enactment of ACJA 2015, gaps and challenges still remain, though in a lesser proportion.”

Fagbemi said under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to building a criminal justice system that is fast, fair, efficient, effective, and responsive.

The AGF said the review of the ACJA 2015 was also a vital step towards fulfilling that commitment. 

 “This program couldn’t have come at a better time than now when we have to take stock of the progress recorded so far since 2015 when ACJA was enacted to close the wide gaps evident in our criminal procedural laws.”