The Executive Director of the Justice Development Peace Commission Initiative (JDPCI), Uromi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, has said that the high number of people awaiting trial in Nigeria’s correctional centres was unacceptable.
Very Rev. Fr. Arhedo, who stated this at a roundtable with journalists in Benin City, said available data showed that in Edo State alone, over 75 percent of inmates in correctional centres were awaiting trial, for minor offences that could have been handled through non-custodial measures.
The roundtable was on the effective reporting of the implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Edo State. He said recent survey revealed that 92 percent of the public in Edo Central Senatorial District had never even heard of the ACJL.
“The ACJL was domesticated in Edo State in 2018, bringing with it key provisions aimed at improving and modernizing the administration of justice, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring fairness and transparency within the justice system.
“Despite its progressive intent, there remains a significant gap in public awareness of the law and its critical reforms, such as plea bargaining, suspended sentencing, parole, and non-custodial sentencing.
“The ACJL is a landmark legislation aimed at reforming delivery of administration of criminal justice systems in the state. Its effective implementation hinges on the awareness and understanding of justice actors and the general public.
“As journalists, you play a vital role in shaping public discourse and promoting transparency. This is where you, our esteemed journalists, come in. The media is a powerful tool for educating the public, holding institutions accountable, and influencing policy change.
“Your stories, reports, and analysis not only inform, but also inspire action In the context of the ACJL, your role as a journalist goes beyond reporting on legal cases.
“It involves explaining the implications of justice reforms, highlighting the successes and challenges in implementation, and giving a voice to both the beneficiaries and stakeholders.
“Available data show that in Edo State alone, over 75 percent of inmates in correctional centers are awaiting trial, many for minor offenses that could have been handled through non-custodial measures.
“Moreover, a recent survey revealed that 92 percent of the public in Edo Central Senatorial District had never even heard of the ACJL. Even within the legal community, awareness is limited. Some legal practitioners we surveyed did not have any reference materials for the ACJL,” he said.
The JDPCI director further said that without increased public and institutional awareness of these provisions, they cannot fully realize the vision of fairness and efficiency that the ACJL promises.
He emphasized, “Through accurate and responsible reporting, you can help bridge the knowledge gap between the legal provisions of the ACJL and their practical application in the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The public needs to understand how these reforms can protect their rights, speed up judicial processes, decongest correctional facilities and offer alternatives to custodial sentences, especially for minor offenses.
“The goal of this project is to build that much-needed awareness. We aim to reach at least 50,000 individuals directly and indirectly, including legal practitioners, law enforcement officers, community and religious leaders, and the general public.
“Our purpose is simple yet profound: to ensure that everyone, whether a police officer on duty, an accused or a citizen seeking justice – understands their rights and responsibilities under the ACJL,” he stressed.
Looking at the key areas to focus on, Rev. Fr. Arhedo, listed ACJL’s objectives and key provisions, rights of suspects, accused persons, and victims, roles and responsibilities of justice actors (judiciary, police, prosecution), alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and community-based initiatives for justice reform.
The NUJ chairman, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, advised journalists to pay proper attention to the training and thanked the organisers for putting the event together.
