The CLEEN Foundation has commenced a two- day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Imo.
The workshop was designed to deepen technical understanding, bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen collaboration.
It also aimed at equipping stakeholders with practical tools to operationalise the application of the ACJL across key institutions responsible for criminal justice delivery.
CLEEN Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Maduoma said on Monday that the workshop was part of activities under a project titled “strengthening right-based approach to ACJA frameworks.
It is aimed at advancing women, peace and security in Nigeria, and funded by the Norwegian Embassy.
Maduoma listed the specific workshop objectives to include the enhancement of technical capacity to interpret and operationalise key provisions of the Imo ACJL and any recent amendments.
He added that it would also build inter-agency frameworks for consistent and rights-compliant application of the law and develop actionable strategies to address systemic challenges such as trial delays, custodial congestion, and rights violations.
He also said that the foundation will leverage on its experience in security and judicial sector reforms over the years to deliver on the project.
“We are confident that working with all the stakeholders in the ACJL in Nigeria to assess our journey so far in its 10 years of implementation, gaps will be identified and ways to close the gaps will also be clearly articulated.
“This will serve as a veritable tool for advocacy for further reforms and strengthening.”
The executive director added that at the end of the workshop, participants will develop an action plan designed to tackle the challenges in the implementation of the ACJL to Imo.
Our correspondent reports that the project was inaugurated in Abuja in August ,while state level implementation in 12 states is ongoing.
States involved in the implementation are Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ekiti, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, Cross-River and Akwa Ibom.
Key stakeholders at the workshop include the Comptroller of the Imo Correctional Service Command, CC Michael Okorie, representatives of the Imo Police command, the NSCDC, The Attorney General and civil society groups.