Three years after implementation, criminal justice is still crawling in A’Ibom
Three years after its passage into law by the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, an assessment report has revealed shortcomings in the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
The findings, which formed part of the questions raised at the capacity building workshop on criminal justice reform in Akwa Ibom State, hosted by CLEEN Foundation, recently, have raised issues of effectiveness and integrity of the state’s criminal justice system.
Although the State House of Assembly enacted the ACJL in 2022 with pomp, its practical application, it was gathered, has been minimal and hindered by critical deficiencies in funding, planning, and execution.
The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), responsible for overseeing the implementation of the law, is seen as inactive, owing to insufficient operational support and a lack of strategic direction.
Key findings from a self-assessment report highlighted systemic weaknesses and institutional failures, the absence of a dedicated budget and implementation roadmap, and a lack of measurable performance indicators for the ACJL.
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As stakeholders allege that the ACJMC exists on paper with no practical effect, findings show that its work has been hindered by inadequate funding, coordination challenges, a lack of a regular reporting structure, as well dysfunctional system for tracking arrests and monitoring repeated offences.
Additional deficiencies in the implementation of the ACJL include technology and infrastructure deficits, absence of digital tools for tasks, such as e-recording suspect statements, dilapidated courtrooms and legal offices, under-resourced legal representation, prosecution capacity, and lack of legal aid.
Moreover, shortages of prosecutors, delays in bail and court proceedings, gaps in correctional centre facilities, and a lack of institutional coordination were identified as further issues affecting the ACJMC in Akwa Ibom state.
The self-assessment report rated Akwa Ibom State below national standards in key performance areas, including case management, trial timelines, witness protection, and the use of technology.
As a remedial measure, stakeholders have raised an alarm, calling for immediate intervention, else the ACNL will remain merely a symbolic statute with no significant impact on justice delivery.
To address these challenges, stakeholders have recommended the allocation of a dedicated budget for ACJL implementation, the development of a comprehensive implementation roadmap, the strengthening of inter-agency coordination and communication, investment in infrastructure, legal personnel, and digital tools, as well as improvements in data collection and reporting mechanisms.
