Abuja: Some Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have advocated for holistic reform of the justice sector, especially in the law enforcement agencies to facilitate justice for pre-trial detainees. They made the call at a CSOs Coordination and Communication Meeting organised by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, Abuja Branch, emphasized the need for retraining Investigative Police Officers (IPOs) to enhance their capacity in justice administration. She highlighted that the criminal justice sector interfaces with virtually every citizen at some point, underscoring the importance of comprehensive training for law officers. This would ensure that magistrates and judges understand the principles and statutory provisions they must comply with.
Onyenucheya-Uko pointed out that many individuals are held in detention on remand orders for extended periods, beyond the legally prescribed limits. She stressed the importance of a sanitized system that meets the needs of all individuals, ensuring accountability while respecting constitutional provisions for human dignity. She also emphasized the presumption of innocence, stating that regardless of the alleged offense, individuals should be treated fairly and humanely.
Onyeka Oduye, a Programme Officer at PPDC, echoed the call for reform, stating that the criminal justice system in Nigeria requires changes across all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and correctional services.
Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, supported the need for urgent reform in the justice system. Represented by Ogechukwu Ibenegbu, Abubakar highlighted the ongoing conversations among stakeholders aimed at addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s justice system.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the CSO Coordination and Communication Meeting serves as a platform for civil society organisations working on criminal justice to discuss and deliberate on necessary reforms in the justice sector.