Sultan Foundation Promotes ACJL Awareness at Boni Quarters Mosque
As part of its commitment to enhancing public knowledge about the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Adamawa State, the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development held a one-day awareness session on Wednesday at Masjidurrahman, Boni Quarters, Jimeta. This initiative was organized in partnership with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program (RoLAC).
The ACJL, enacted in Adamawa State on December 10, 2018, aims to address challenges within the criminal justice system by promoting fairness, efficiency, and respect for human rights. The law safeguards the rights of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, while ensuring justice is upheld.
Speaking to a gathering of hundreds of attendees, Barrister Ishaq Abdullahi, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Adamawa State, provided an in-depth explanation of the law’s provisions. He emphasized that the ACJL was crafted to protect the fundamental rights of individuals in line with global best practices. “The ACJL enhances justice administration while ensuring the dignity and rights of suspects and accused persons,” he stated.
Barrister Abdullahi highlighted several key reforms introduced by the law, including:
– Prohibiting the arrest of individuals in place of others.
– Permitting women to serve as sureties in legal matters.
– Mandating humane treatment of suspects.
– Establishing designated rooms for recording statements to ensure transparency.
– Introducing non-custodial sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment.
– Prohibiting arrests in civil cases.
– Providing free legal representation for suspects unable to afford legal services.
Additionally, law enforcement officers must now clearly state the reasons for arrests and document suspects’ physical and biometric details. Statements must be electronically recorded in the presence of a lawyer or trusted person to enhance transparency and accountability.
Barrister Musa Maisaje explained that while the ACJL was enacted nationally in 2015, Adamawa State domesticated it in 2018 after removing provisions conflicting with religious beliefs. He urged participants to use the knowledge gained to protect their rights and hold law enforcement accountable.
Salihu Muhammad, a participant, commended the foundation for the initiative, noting that the session had empowered him with knowledge about the ACJL. “I now understand my rights and will work to ensure that both mine and others’ rights are upheld, especially in dealings with law enforcement,” he remarked.
The awareness session marks a significant step in empowering citizens to engage with and benefit from the law.
