Anambra CSOs Demand Criminal Law Reforms, Faster Justice Delivery
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) monitoring criminal justice administration in Anambra State have called for urgent reforms of outdated criminal laws, improved funding for justice institutions and measures to eliminate avoidable delays in the administration of justice.
They also urged the Anambra State Government and House of Assembly to update criminal legislation to address emerging offences, including technology-related crimes.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day meeting of the CSO-Led Criminal Justice Observatory in Awka, where participants assessed the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) and other relevant legislation.
The meeting was sponsored by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Participants identified delays in criminal proceedings, inadequate funding and infrastructure, limited access to technology, institutional weaknesses and political interference as major challenges affecting justice delivery in the state.
They resolved to intensify monitoring of police stations, courts, correctional facilities and other relevant institutions to assess compliance with criminal justice laws and document gaps requiring government intervention.
The observatory also pledged to engage relevant authorities on identified shortcomings and follow up on recommendations to strengthen accountability and improve implementation of the law.
On delays in justice delivery, the organisations called for more effective investigations and prosecution, insisting that confessional statements must be obtained lawfully and voluntarily.
They stressed that efforts to speed up criminal proceedings must respect fair hearing, due process and the rights of suspects, defendants and victims.
The communiqué further urged the government to provide adequate budgetary allocations, functional facilities, essential resources and appropriate technology to support justice institutions.
Participants also called on relevant agencies to uphold transparency, institutional independence and inter-agency cooperation while ensuring compliance with lawful arrest, detention and bail procedures.
To improve public awareness of criminal justice processes, the observatory resolved to intensify community engagement and strategic communication on citizens’ rights, legal procedures and available accountability mechanisms.
It also committed to strengthening collaboration among civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, correctional authorities, the legislature and the media.
The Civil Society Organisations and Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI)-led observatory reaffirmed its commitment to regular field monitoring, evidence-based advocacy and systematic documentation of challenges affecting criminal justice administration in Anambra State.
The participants called on all relevant stakeholders to work towards a justice system that is accessible, transparent and accountable, with effective enforcement of laws, protection of human rights and timely resolution of criminal cases.
