Sultan Foundation Promotes Human Rights and ACJL Awareness in Adamawa
The Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, with support from the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), recently held a one-day sensitization workshop for the Borromji community in Yola North Local Government Area. Hosted at the community’s LCCN church, the event sought to educate participants on fundamental human rights and the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Adamawa State.
The ACJL, enacted on December 10, 2018, was designed to reform criminal justice processes, ensuring justice, fairness, and protection for all, particularly vulnerable groups.
During the workshop, resource persons emphasized the significance of respecting human rights and understanding the law as a means of combating abuses that contribute to national insecurity.
Muneerat Shehu, one of the facilitators, highlighted several groundbreaking provisions of the ACJL. She explained key innovations aimed at improving the criminal justice system, such as:
Enabling women to serve as sureties in legal processes. Prohibiting the arrest of individuals in place of others. Introducing non-custodial sentencing options. Ensuring that bail is free of charge. Preventing torture or abuse of suspects during arrest and detention.
Shehu underscored the importance of public awareness, stressing that informed citizens are better equipped to stand against human rights violations and demand accountability from law enforcement and other stakeholders.
The workshop featured an engaging interactive session where participants asked practical questions about issues such as police misconduct, legal procedures, and their rights under the ACJL. Facilitators provided clear answers and guidance, empowering community members with actionable knowledge.
To reinforce the workshop’s message, flyers summarizing key provisions of the ACJL were distributed to attendees. Participants were encouraged to share this information with others in their community, fostering a ripple effect of awareness and advocacy for human rights and justice.
John Stephen, a community member who attended the workshop, expressed gratitude to the Sultan Foundation for organizing the event. He noted that many participants were unaware of the ACJL’s provisions before the workshop and pledged to use the knowledge gained to promote the rule of law and human dignity in their community.
This initiative reflects the Sultan Foundation’s commitment to promoting legal awareness, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and supporting justice reforms in Adamawa State. By empowering communities with knowledge, the foundation continues to play a vital role in advancing peace, development, and human rights
