AGF, EFCC, and CJ Advocate for Effective Law Implementation to Combat Crime in Nigeria

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has emphasized the imperative of effectively implementing existing laws to combat crime across Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement summit in Abuja on Monday, Fagbemi underscored that mere existence of laws is insufficient; their robust implementation is crucial to significantly reducing crime.

The summit, held at the headquarters of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), focused on enhancing the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and included the official signing of Practice Directions on remand proceedings, guidelines, and monitoring frameworks.

Fagbemi urged synergy among stakeholders in the justice sector to optimize the ACJA’s provisions. He highlighted the importance of utilizing Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) to repatriate individuals convicted in absentia but residing outside the country, pending the Act’s amendment.

Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, Chief Judge of the High Court of FCT, affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding and advancing the ACJA’s provisions to ensure effective criminal justice administration. He emphasized that the new guidelines would enhance adherence to the rule of law and protect the rights of suspects during remand proceedings.

Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), called for a comprehensive review of ACJA provisions. He noted successes achieved over the Act’s ten-year existence but highlighted flaws, including Section 396(7) invalidated by the Supreme Court for constitutional conflict. Olukoyede cited instances such as the retrial order for former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, due to judicial elevation.

Representing the EFCC boss, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, raised concerns over Section 252(4)(5) denying judges power to sentence suspects convicted in absentia. He stressed the urgency for Chief Judges and stakeholders to initiate necessary legislative amendments.

Haliru Nababa, Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, emphasized harmonizing ACJA provisions with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, for seamless operations. Ezekiel Kagah, Controller of Operations, National Headquarters, affirmed the Correctional Service’s commitment to collaboration for efficient criminal justice administration.