The capacity building for stakeholders particularly police officers and media practitioners in the administration of criminal justice continued on Wednesday in Lagos.
This was the focus of a workshop on salient provisions in the the amended ACJL Law by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the British Council under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, RoLAC.
This was necessitated on the premise that effective implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021 ACJL, should be the focus in the State.
Speaking with Police officers and journalists, the Special Assistant to Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Bola Akinsete noted that the workshop was to sensitise stakeholders in the administration of justice in the state to key provisions of the ACJL.
She said this is important in order to protect the rights of the citizens – the suspects and victims of crime.
According to the Speaker, the engagement will assist participants to understand the content and how best to implement the law.
During the engagement, Joseph Chu’ma Otteh, Founder/Director, Access to Justice harped on salient provisions in relation to Police and Media roles in the ACJL, 2021.
Highlighting on police arrest of suspect, parade of suspect, media parade, amongst others, he advocates that their duties are best done in compliance with the law.
He harped on amended laws and called attention to creation of new sections in the law.
According to Richard Somiari, Director, Lagos DNA & Forensic Centre, police investigators should always ensure forensic process are handled professionally to preserve evidence gathered during their investigations of crime scenes.
Investigative Police Officers learned tips from the State’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Tolu Aderiye as she guided them with scenarios and learning aids that would assist them to investigate crimes and establish their cases.
She advised officers to consolidate on their expertise by taking advantage of the lecture journals, particularly, the book titled: Steps in Establishing A Case – An Investigator’s Guide.
In his presentation, the Executive Director, Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Mr. Benson Iwuagwu explained the role of Nigeria Police on the Implementation of Restorative Justice.
While a Lagos State Police Prosecutor, Mr. Babatunde Sumonu, minced no words in explaining that no stone be left unturned in recording statement and use of statement taking room.
