Sultan Foundation Promotes ACJL Awareness at Adamawa Mosque
The Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, in collaboration with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), organized a one-day sensitization program at the Late Modibbo Mosque in Yola on Monday. The program aimed to educate the community on the key provisions and innovations of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Adamawa State, emphasizing its role in reforming the criminal justice system and safeguarding human rights.
The ACJL, which came into effect in Adamawa State on December 10, 2018, was introduced to address inefficiencies and challenges in the criminal justice system. By prioritizing fairness, efficiency, and respect for human dignity, the law seeks to protect the rights of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, and promote justice.
In his keynote address, Barrister Ishaq Abdullahi, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Adamawa State, provided an in-depth breakdown of the law’s groundbreaking provisions. He explained that the ACJL was designed to enhance the administration of justice while protecting the fundamental rights of suspects and accused persons. Some of the major provisions highlighted include:
The prohibition of arresting an individual in place of another.
Allowing women to stand as sureties in legal proceedings.
Ensuring suspects are treated with respect and human dignity.
Establishing dedicated rooms for recording statements to ensure transparency.
Introducing non-custodial sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment.
Prohibiting arrests for civil matters.
Barr. Abdullahi further emphasized the law’s provision for free legal representation for suspects who cannot afford it. He added that law enforcement officers are now required to clearly inform individuals of the reasons for their arrest. Additionally, biometric and physical information of suspects must be recorded during the arrest process to enhance transparency and accountability.
Barrister Musa Maisaje, in his remarks, offered a historical context for the ACJL, noting that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) was enacted at the national level in 2015 before being domesticated in Adamawa State in 2018. He explained that the law underwent thorough review to ensure it aligns with the religious and cultural values of the people of Adamawa. Maisaje encouraged participants to utilize the knowledge gained to safeguard their rights and hold law enforcement agencies accountable.
Dr. Bashir Imam Aliyu, a prominent Islamic scholar, applauded the Sultan Foundation for its efforts to raise awareness about the ACJL. He stressed the importance of the law in promoting justice, protecting human dignity, and addressing human rights abuses. Dr. Aliyu encouraged Muslims to pursue both Islamic and modern knowledge, stating that a combination of the two enhances personal and societal development.
To ensure participants retained the key points, flyers detailing the ACJL’s provisions were distributed in Hausa, making the information accessible to everyone.
This initiative highlights the Sultan Foundation’s dedication to empowering communities, promoting justice reform, and raising legal awareness. By engaging religious institutions and fostering open dialogue, the foundation continues to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen the rule of law in Adamawa State.
