Sanwo-Olu signs Lagos Criminal Justice amendment law to protect suspects, victims

Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law (ACJL) of Lagos State, 2021.

Moyosore Onigbanjo, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice confirmed the signing in a statement on Tuesday.

The ACJL was first passed in 2007 and amended in 2011 to ensure the fundamental rights of suspects and persons that come in contact with the justice system are protected.

Onigbanjo said in the Lagos government’s bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims, suspects, and address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice, innovative provisions were added to the amended law.

The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platforms, powers of Chief Magistrate to visit Police Stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, compensation to victims of crime.

Other are protective measures for victims and witnesses, the Establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of the ACJL.

Onigbanjo noted that the governor’s assent will promote law and order, protection of citizens’ rights, decongestion of correctional facilities and a crime-free Lagos.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) assured that the Ministry of Justice, through a collaborative effort with stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice, will ensure the enforcement of the provisions of the law.

Sanwo-Olu signs Lagos Criminal Justice amendment law to protect suspects, victims