October 06, (THEWILL) – Lagos State governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu has signed into law, the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law (ACJL) 2021.
A statement by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), said the Governor assented to the amended ACJL of the state on the 30th of September.
First passed in Lagos in 2007 and amended in 2011, the ACJL ensures that the “Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected.”
The statement reads in part, ”In a bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects as well as address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Lagos State, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the Law.
“The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform; the powers of Chief Magistrates to visit police stations; the prohibition of media parade of suspects; compensation to victims of crime; protective measures for victims and witnesses as well as the establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this law.”
The commissioner noted that the new law reinforces the State Government commitment to promote law and order and protect citizens rights.
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