Kaduna judiciary undertakes reform,  unveils rules for quick dispensation of justice

By
ZAINAB TANIMU
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Kaduna judiciary undertakes reform,

unveils rules for quick dispensation of justice

Zainab Tanimu

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Kaduna Northwest Nigeria

The administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in conjunction with Public Private Development Center (PPDC) on Tuesday, launched Kaduna state administration of criminal justice rules, criminal justice service charter and Standard Operating Procedure to improve access to justice in the state.

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The event which took place during a town hall meeting held at Hotel Seventeen, Kaduna had series of inspiring presentations on way forward to enhancing improvement in the judicial sector.

Dr. John Omughele, a legal practitioner  presenting a keynote address tagged, ‘Access to Justice’ supported by Public Private Development Centre (PPDC) and US Department of State Bureau for Narcotics and Enforcement Affairs touched on critical areas of the administration of criminal justice system with a view to charting way forward on areas found wanting.

The legal luminary, fielding questions from newsmen shortly after his presentation said the town hall meeting proffered the opportunity for appraisal on whether things are being done properly or not thereby giving room for improvement.

He gave areas where lawyers need to look at in the criminal justice system.

” Meetings like this are very important to enable us appraise whether we are doing well. Meeting the expectations of the law or not.

We also have the opportunity to look at whether we need to make amendments.

The presenter spoke on criminal justice reform in relation to cases management;  spoke on detention, and how to deal with offences especially those dealing with relationships.

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Lamenting on the pending cases of trials which he said has overstretched structures and correctional centers, the new reform he sees as going to ease the desperation of justice.

According to him, his investigation reveals that about 70,000 inmates are presently awaiting trials across the country. This he considered a huge figure and a problem because there are no enough structured to accommodate such.

 “We can not continue to remain like that, we must improve the system and ensure that our correctional centres are decongested.
“It is not that their cases had been concluded or they’re serving terms but from my findings about 70,000 inmates are awaiting trial.

“We’ve been concerned about improvements in justice delivery system especially the criminal side. There are usually factors like detention of persons in correctional centers and other places such as EFCC, ICPC and police detentions.

 

“How quickly can the courts resolve cases even where detention is necessary. Also, is there a way that we can avoid detention considering the economic, security, health and human rights implications with so many people?

There has to be speedy delivery of justice. He emphasized.

“We must address the administration of criminal justice by making sure the Chief Judges assign cases with dispatch within a particular period to judges who will treat cases in time.

On what the public must know in relation to administration of justice.

“In terms of assessing justice, at a very informal sector, let us not assume that until we go to institutional agencies, we cannot have justice.
“l believe there are certain things we can manage ourselves which may not be taught in law textbooks. There are some minor cases like, land lord and tenant issues, husband and wife minor cases that can be sorted out by multi door – court house rather than going to court. By so doing, dis – congesting the court.
“But if the matter must go to court, you must ask yourself whether you are given the opportunity for this matter to be resolved first before taking the formal serious procedure going to court.
Where issues can be resolved and apologies accepted, needless going to court because the facilities and personnel can never be enough. Not even when you multiply the number of judges.” He said.
Earlier in his speech, the CEO, PPDC, Jibril Shitttu commended the efforts that have been put into the project by everyone. Also commended was the efforts of the Chief Judge of Kaduna state, Hon. Justice M T M Aliyu.
PPDC he said focuses on strengthening and scaling reforms targeting service delivery among criminal justice institutions.
Nigeria’s criminal justice institutions he noted are underdeveloped and collectively lack the capacity to meet the justice needs of the people.
His centre is collaborating with institutions in the justice sector to promote speedy and efficient dispensation of justice by making the court processes more efficient. He informed.
His Highness, the Emir of Zauzau, represented by the District head of Doka called for improvement on number of detention cases by ensuring speedy delivery of justice.

 

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Stressing the role of judiciary,

“we cannot have democracy without Judiciary.” He stated.

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