FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‎21st July, 2026

‎CEHRAWS BACKS ACJL REVIEW, URGES IMMEDIATE ASSENT

‎The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, (CEHRAWS), warmly welcomes the ongoing review of the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Bill by the Abia State House of Assembly during its legislative retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

‎We commend the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, members of the 8th Assembly, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, and the facilitators for their commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Abia State through a comprehensive review of the existing legal framework.

‎CEHRAWS also acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), comprising judicial officers, legal practitioners, justice sector institutions, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders, for their sustained commitment to improving the administration of criminal justice in the State. Through its continuous oversight, multi-stakeholder engagement, and advocacy for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the Committee has played a pivotal role in advancing access to justice, strengthening institutional accountability, and promoting a rights-based and people-centred criminal justice system in Abia State.

‎Having demonstrated commendable legislative commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Abia State, CEHRAWS respectfully calls on His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, Governor of Abia State, to accord the reviewed Administration of Criminal Justice Law Bill expeditious executive assent immediately upon its passage by the House of Assembly. A prompt assent will underscore the administration’s unwavering commitment to access to justice, rights-based policing, the protection of fundamental human rights, and the consolidation of ongoing justice sector reforms in the State.

‎The Administration of Criminal Justice framework remains one of Nigeria’s most significant justice sector reforms. Its primary objective is not merely to facilitate the prosecution of offenders, but to ensure that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, transparently, and with full respect for the dignity, liberty, and constitutional rights of every person.

‎CEHRAWS particularly welcomes the review of provisions relating to arrest procedures, remand proceedings, summons and warrants, and the regulation of sureties. These are critical components of criminal justice administration that directly affect ordinary citizens and have historically been vulnerable to abuse. Strengthening these provisions will help eliminate procedural bottlenecks while reinforcing due process and accountability.

‎We are especially encouraged by the Assembly’s resolve to further strengthen safeguards against arbitrary arrests, improve the humane treatment of suspects, and enhance accountability within law enforcement institutions. These reforms, if faithfully enacted and effectively implemented, will significantly deepen public confidence in the criminal justice system and strengthen the rule of law in Abia State.

‎However, experience across Nigeria has consistently shown that progressive legislation alone does not automatically translate into justice. The true measure of any criminal justice reform lies in its faithful implementation. Human rights violations such as unlawful arrests, prolonged detention without trial, torture, extortion, denial of access to legal representation, arrest in lieu of suspects, and the indiscriminate use of pre-trial detention continue to undermine public confidence despite existing legal safeguards.

‎CEHRAWS therefore urges the Abia State House of Assembly to ensure that the revised ACJL incorporates stronger accountability mechanisms for law enforcement agencies, mandatory compliance with constitutional safeguards, effective oversight of detention facilities, enhanced protection for victims and witnesses, and clear sanctions against officials who violate the provisions of the law.

‎We further advocate for provisions that strengthen non-custodial measures, encourage restorative justice where appropriate, promote digital case management to reduce delays, and expand access to legal aid for indigent persons. Access to justice should never be determined by one’s economic circumstances.

‎Furthermore, rights-based policing must remain the cornerstone of the proposed amendments. In a constitutional democracy, policing should be intelligence-driven, professional, accountable, and firmly anchored on respect for human rights and the rule of law. The effectiveness of law enforcement should be measured not by the number of arrests made, but by strict adherence to due process, professionalism, transparency, and respect for the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a State Party.

‎CEHRAWS also calls on the Executive, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Legal Aid Council, civil society organisations, development partners, and the media to work collaboratively to ensure that the eventual law does not merely exist on paper but serves as a practical instrument for delivering accessible, efficient, and equitable justice to every resident of Abia State.

‎As an organisation that has consistently documented and responded to cases involving arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture, extortion, gender-based violence, child rights violations, and the denial of fair hearing, CEHRAWS reiterates that an effective criminal justice system is indispensable to the protection of human rights, the promotion of public safety, and the strengthening of democratic governance.

‎The review of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law presents a historic opportunity to build a criminal justice system that is fair, efficient, transparent, and firmly rooted in the principles of constitutional democracy. We urge all stakeholders to sustain the momentum until these reforms are fully enacted and effectively implemented for the benefit of all people in Abia State.

‎Signed:

‎Okoye, Chuka Peter

‎Executive Director, CEHRAWS

‎cehraws@gmail.com | +234(0)808-035-1242 (WhatsApp only)

‎Facebook: @cehraws

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