By Victoria Effiong
A Civil Society Organization based in Cross River state known as, Civil Society Observatory has tasked the state government, Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General of Cross River to ensure strict implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) to guard against rising cases of human rights abuses perpetuated by erring Police officers in state.
According to the group,”such sterner posture would not only check the excesses of recalcitrant police officers perpetually molesting and extorting monies from some members of the public but will also promote transparency in the criminal justice system.
The submission was contained in a communique endorsed by Obase Okanke issued at the end of one-day Town Hall meeting For Effective Implementation, Sustainability Of ACJL Regime In Regime held Calabar.
The statement which reads in parts ” We urge the authorities to ensure that confessional statements are electronically recorded, as mandated by Section 17, to prevent coercion and torture during interrogations”
Okanke posited’ Imagine being arrested and forced to confess to a crime you didn’t commit or being arrested in lieu of another person,” “This is the reality facing many Nigerians, including those in Cross River State.
” By implementing Section 17, we can ensure that confessions are voluntary and not obtained through torture or coercion.”
The group also demanded the implementation of Section 32, which requires the police to submit monthly reports to magistrates detailing arrests made without warrants. This provision aims to prevent unlawful detentions and ensure that those arrested are brought before a court within a reasonable time.
“Section 32 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law is crucial in preventing the police from holding people indefinitely without trial,” explained Okanke.
“By submitting monthly reports, the police can be held accountable for their actions, and those arrested can be ensured a fair trial.”
There have been several reported cases of human rights abuses in Cross River State, including forced confessions, unlawful detentions, and torture.
The CSO expressed optimism that that implementing Sections 17 and 32 of the ACJL will significantly reduce these numbers.
“We urge the Cross River State Government, Police, and Judiciary to prioritize the full implementation of Sections 17 and 32 of the ACJL,” the statement read.
“Compliance with these provisions will strengthen justice delivery, prevent human rights violations, and enhance public trust in the criminal justice system.”
The call by the Civil Society Observatory came on the heels of the Institutional Strengthening and Sustainability Engagement on the ACJL regime organized by CLEEN Foundation.
The event which focused on institutional strengthening and sustainability engagement, brought together esteemed partners, including the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Union Of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association and Nigerian Correctional Service.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Peter Maduoma, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation harped on the importance of collective commitment to advancing justice sector reforms.
He highlighted the foundation’s efforts in promoting the effective implementation of the ACJL across eight states, yielding successes in advocacy, capacity building, and policy reforms.