How We’ll End Escape Of Inter-State Criminals In Nigeria

The Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has revealed what will bring an end to the escape of inter-state criminals in the country.

Fagbemi said this will be made possible through the full domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) by the states of the Federation

He said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a 3-Day Technical National Working Group Session Review and Validation of the National Minimum Standard Document for the implementation of ACJA, 2015.

According to him, with the adoption of the Act by states offenders can no longer move from state to state to escape justice, a term commonly known as Forum Shopping.

He advocated the need for the embrace of using technology in the day-to-day administration of justice to effectively curb acts of criminalities.

The justice minister said the use of technology in processes, systems, and procedures for the advancement of the administration of criminal justice cannot be overemphasized.

The federal government, he noted, enacted the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in 2015 with a view to ensuring harmonious implementation of criminal justice reforms across the federation.

The act, he added, provides for the administration of the criminal justice system, which promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crimes, and protection of the rights and interests of the suspect, the defendant, and victims in Nigeria.

“The adoption of the Act by States also ensures that offenders cannot move from state to state to escape justice, a term commonly known as Forum Shopping.

“Thus, with improved and uniform implementation of criminal justice reforms across the country, there will be no escape route for criminals, which will in turn contribute to socio-economic development in Nigeria.”

The minister of justice noted that the National Minimum Standards have been developed as a tool to implement the ACJA and consolidate collaboration between stakeholders in justice delivery by ensuring that courts, both at the federal and state levels, apply similar standards in the implementation of criminal procedures and enforcement of criminal justice.

“It is to this end that the National Working Group on the implementation of criminal justice reform was set up.

“The National Working Group, which comprises individuals and institutions of both the federal and state governments, including Government Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Lawyers, and other stakeholders, was set up to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders across the federation.

“The aim of setting up the National Working Group is to ensure that the National Minimum Standards for Implementation of ACJA receives input, recommendations, and wide acceptance from stakeholders across the board.

“It is important to note that the establishment of the National Working Group was in response to the outcomes from the National Stakeholders Forum, which was held in October 2023.

“At that Forum, participants unanimously recommended the establishment of the National Working Group to serve as the arrowhead for the implementation of criminal justice reforms across the country.

“I am therefore delighted that today, the recommendations of stakeholders have been implemented.

“I believe that in line with the recommendations of the Stakeholders’ forum, the National Working Group would be able to successfully galvanize and facilitate the implementation of ACJA and the National Minimum Standards.

“We have undoubtedly, come a long way since the enactment of ACJA in 2015. The National Minimum Standards is developed to serve as a catalyst for improved implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the Administration of the Criminal Justice Laws of the various states (ACJA/ACJLs) by agencies of Criminal Justice administration at the federal and state levels.”