JDPCI, Stakeholders Brainstorm On Criminal Justice System In Edo

The Executive Director of Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives in Uromi Diocese, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Fidelis Arhedo, has posited that, the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL), serves as a critical framework aimed at reforming the criminal justice system in Edo State and Nigeria at large, ensuring that the right of citizens are respected and that the process of justice is fair and efficient.
Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Fidelis Arhedo, made the statements in an engagement meeting and learning session on the implementation of the administration of criminal justice law, in Benin City with the theme, “Enhancing fairness, and efficiency in Edo State Criminal Justice System.”
The Rev. Father said this engagement is part of a broader strategy that began with the planning and inception phase of initiatives aimed at ensuring that the provisions of the ACJL are not just words on paper, but fully integrated into the day-to-day administration of justice across Edo State.
“This meeting is more than just a platform for discussion; it is a call to action. The ACIL is an important tool in safeguarding the rights of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
“Its implemen-tation requires the concerted effort of every one of us. Law enforcement agencies must be equipped to handle cases in a way that respects human dignity, while community leaders must champion justice at the grassroots level.
“We must ensure that our courts operate efficiently and that alternatives to custodial sentencing, such as parole and plea bargaining are effectively utilized to reduce the burden on our correctional facilities.
“The discussions we will have today should lead to tangible outcomes. We must continue to explore how we can institutionalize accountability and transparency mechanisms, how we can use independent oversight to ensure compliance with the ACIL and how we can address rights violations, especially in cases of unlawful detention. Through these efforts, we will not only enhance public trust in the justice system but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting peace and development in our communities.
“Plea bargaining that is designed to reduce Court backlogs and expedite legal proceedings, is underutilized due to misconceptions.
“Suspended sentencing and non-custodial options, which could significantly reduce overcrowding in our correctional centers, are not being fully employed because of inadequate awareness of these provisions.
“Parole, which provides a pathway for offenders to reintegrate into society under supervision, remains underused due to inadequate infrastructure and awareness,” he added.
In their various goodwill messages, the Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Barr. O.B. Woghiren, represented by the Deputy Director, Mr. Vincent Omuedi, said that the agency will do all in its power to take the sensitization message to the nooks and crannies of the state as it’s obvious that majority of persons are not aware of the ACJL.
The Chief Imam of Edo State, Mallam Adul Fatai Enabulele, said the implementation of the ACJL is long overdue because there are a lot of persons languishing in the Correctional Centres for minor offenses that could have been possibly resolved using the ACJL.
“The implementation of the administration of criminal justice system in Edo state is not only timely, but long overdue. There are so many people who are suffering and languishing in our prisons and police cells today.
“I believe that the implementation of this law is absolutely based on enhancing justice, equity, fair play and efficiency in criminal justice system in our land. I believe also any law that favours the rich and the powerful people in the society, against poor and the less privileged ones is not only obnoxious, but satanic and equally ungodly.
“Therefore, we must do the right thing at the right time. The society that encourages double standard in implementing justice between the rich and the poor, the blessings and the mercy of God will not dwell in such society,” he stressed.
He therefore alleged that money meant to take care of the inmates in our Correctional Centres is sometimes embezzled, and urged the managers of these centres to allow the fear of God be their watchwords.
The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State Chapter, Apostle General, Dr. Irekpono Omoike, extolled the Catholic Church for being in the forefront of promoting fairness, equity and justice in the country.