By Deborah Adekaa

Two civil society groups, The Justice and Rights initiative and the Human Rights Law service have expressed concern over the none implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Benue state seven years after its enactment.

Addressing  a press conference in Makurdi, the Acting Executive Director of Justice and Rights initiative, Torluam Solomon expressed regrets over the fact that despite repeated advocacy, the law is yet to be implemented or recognised by major stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.

He noted that over the years, the Justice And Rights Initiative (JRI) and other organizations have gone into partnership to promote the domestication and implementation of the law in Benue State.

He said the ACJL provides for the speedy dispensation of the criminal justice in Benue State in line with  Constitutional requirements of trial within a short period of time.

He said the assessment by civil society groups has uncovered persistent violations relating to arrest procedures, detention, bail administration, issuance of warrants, legal advise and delay in criminal trials.

He said the provisions of the ACJL that are put in place to protect suspects’ rights and to ensure professionalism in criminal investigation is often ignored by security agencies, especially the police.

According to him, the Administration Of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) clearly outlines how arrest should be carried out including provisions prohibiting unnecessary handcuff or restraints of suspects except under specific circumstances.

The law, he noted, requires security operatives to inform the suspects of their rights, including the right to remain silent, consult a lawyer and access free legal representation when necessary. He however lamented that those safeguards are often disregarded during arrests and detention processes

The groups called on relevant stakeholders involved the administration of justice, including the judiciary, the police, the media and other key players to join forces in implementing the law so as to ensure a better justice system that guarantees a safer society and foster a more informed and involved public, ensuring the effective implementation of the Criminal Justice Law in Benue.