States governments in Nigeria have been urged to domesticate the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), so as to promote effective justice delivery.

Douglas Ogbankwa, a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, made the call while speaking on ways to fast track the justice process as well as affording ready access to justice.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that “if the ACJA is domesticated by all states of the federation, it will serve to eradicate all forms of frivolous adjournment of cases aimed at frustrating trials.”

He also called for the enactment of an official investigating guideline which he said will guide and regulate investigating activities in the country.

“I call for the making of a Nigerian official Investigation guideline, to officially guide investigation activities

“This will synchronise the investigation processes in all Investigating authorities in Nigeria, and apart from making Investigating officers to do the right thing, it will also preclude them from doing the wrong thing.

“I also urge a domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) in all states of the federation, in order to stop the use of frivolous adjournments to frustrate criminal trials,” he said.

According to him, in a bid to “borrow a rope” from comparative criminal jurisdictions, it will also be necessary for officers of the ministry of justice to be present during Investigation of sensitive cases which requires legal expertise.

He said this is to guide the investigators all through the rigorous process of ensuring a “water tight” prosecution, that will secure conviction.

He harped on the need for the police and other security agencies, to ensure in-depth investigation before arrest, so as to avoid punishing innocent people

“It is also important to ensure adequate remuneration of the police and other security agents, and to ensure  provision of funds for their operational duties,” he said.

Mr Ogbakwa also suggested that diligent officers be rewarded for dedicated service, adding that this will encourage them to do more. 

(NAN)