Legal practitioners, judges, and security operatives in Ekiti State have called for innovative and collaborative solutions to address persistent challenges within the state’s criminal justice system.
The call was made at a summit themed “Attaining Best Practices in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Ekiti State: Towards a Paradigm Shift”, organized by the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ekiti branches.
In his address, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), underscored the vital role of a robust criminal justice system in promoting law, order, and equity in society.
He noted that since the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in 2014, the state has recorded some progress, including improved trial timelines and reduced numbers of inmates awaiting trial. However, he acknowledged that challenges persist, such as overcrowded correctional facilities, trial delays, poor access to legal representation for indigent defendants, and underfunding for essential services like interpreters and witnesses.
Apata also identified the need for institutional reforms, including the establishment of criminal justice committees and improved oversight of police detention facilities.
In her remarks, the Acting Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, expressed concern over long-standing issues like human rights violations during investigations, infrastructural decay, poor investigative and remand protocols, and the absence of sentencing guidelines.
She emphasized the importance of implementing modern justice tools such as plea bargains, restorative justice frameworks, and alternatives to imprisonment.
Justice Ogunmoye called for a concerted, sustained effort from all stakeholders to enhance accountability, safeguard human rights, and promote justice delivery through institutional efficiency and legal innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Justice Rahman Oshodi shared Lagos State’s success stories with criminal justice reforms, urging Ekiti to learn from the state’s adoption of modern practices to achieve better outcomes.
The event featured a robust panel discussion addressing critical aspects of justice reform including pre-trial detention, rights of defendants, case management, and the use of Form K.
The summit marks a significant step in Ekiti State’s efforts to reform its justice system, with key stakeholders pledging ongoing collaboration to build a more transparent, equitable, and effective legal framework.
