28,000 Get Free Legal Aid Via Police, Court Duty Solicitor Schemes — AGF
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has disclosed that the federal government in the last one year provided legal services as well as right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to Fagbemi, this was made possible through the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 by the ACJA Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and donor partners on the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitor Scheme (CDSS).
He spoke while declaring open a two-day Criminal Justice Stakeholders Workshop on Coordination for Effective Implementation of Sections 29, 33 and 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which held in Abuja.
While stating that the PDSS has continued to monitor compliance with the provisions of ACJA, and ensures that arrested persons are treated with dignity, the minister stated that,
“Records have shown that the PDSS has ensured access to Justice, right to Counsel, legal services and right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees since inception in February 2022.
“The scheme has in collaboration with the Police Divisions in the FCT, taken the extra efforts to ensure a healthy condition of the cells. Inaddition, the Court Duty Solicitors has continued to offer free preliminary legal services and representation in the courts”.
The AGF who was represented by the Director, Overseeing ACJMC in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Ayoola Daniels, meanwhile said that his vision is to see a justice system that works for all, irrespective of status.
He therefore urged participants to unite in creating a criminal justice system that fears or respects no one except the rule of law.
“We must uphold the minimum standards that accords respect to suspects throughout the administration of criminal justice.
As critical stakeholders, I will like us to have extensive discussions and deliberations on issues hampering us from attaining the kind of criminal justice system that we truly desire”, he said.
Speaking on Section 29 of ACJA, 2015 which emphasizes the establishment of a database for records of those arrested, the minister pointed out that in today’s digital age, data is not just information but life, and when properly utilized, it becomes a powerful tool in shaping government policies and recognition of patterns.
“Data sharing is crucial, and the lack thereof contributes to the loss of lives every day. Some crimes are preventable when data is properly harnessed or shared. The implementation of this section in line with the specific details outlined in section 15 of ACJA, 2015 will require the collaboration of DPOs towards the creation of a robust database for informed decision-making process.
“While it is important to recognize all divisions that has been consistent, till date there are some police stations that do not comply with the provision of Sections 29 and 33 of ACJA with regards to the rendering of monthly reports of suspects arrested without warrants.
“We have also noticed a reduction in the monthly visits by the judicial officers to detention facilities”, he lamented.
In a goodwill, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki, Abuja Branch, Mr Onions Ezenwobodo, however tasked the federal government on financial support for the scheme, stating that the scheme currently relies more on support from donor agencies.
According to Ezenwobodo, “until it takes its rightful place we will continue to have challenges in the society”.
