By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

Judges, lawyers and security agencies have called for innovative solutions to strengthen the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Ekiti State.

They made the call during a summit on the Administration of Criminal Justice in Ekiti State, themed: “Attaining Best Practices in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Ekiti State: Towards a Paradigm Shift”, hosted by the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association, Ekiti State branch.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), stated that the administration of criminal justice is a critical component of any society, including Ekiti State.

In his address, he highlighted the progress Ekiti State has made since the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in 2014, which has led to more efficient case trials, a reduction in the number of inmates awaiting trial, and better protection of defendants’ rights.

Despite these advancements, he noted persistent challenges, including overcrowded correctional centres, delayed trials, inadequate legal representation for indigent defendants, insufficient funding for witnesses and interpreters, infrequent magistrate visits to police stations, the need to establish criminal justice committees, and issues with lay prosecutors in Magistrate Courts.

While calling for collaboration among stakeholders to find innovative solutions and adopt international best practices, he noted that the summit was organised to bring together key stakeholders to share knowledge and develop strategies to strengthen institutions such as the Police, Courts, and Correctional Services, with a focus on improving accountability, transparency, and efficiency within the system.

Also, the Acting Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, acknowledged persistent challenges in the criminal justice system, including prison congestion, trial delays, human rights abuses and violations during investigations, and infrastructural deficiencies, among others.

He also highlighted the lack of policy frameworks and institutional structures required to implement novel legal provisions effectively.

These include plea bargaining, alternatives to imprisonment, investigative protocols, remand protocols, sentencing principles and guidelines, witness/victim protection, and restorative justice.

In his keynote address, Justice Rahman Oshodi shared Lagos State’s experience with criminal justice reforms, offering practical insights for Ekiti State.

A major highlight of the event was a panel discussion on practical approaches to improving justice delivery in the state. Topics included pre-trial detention, case management, the rights of defendants, and an in-depth discussion on Form K.