Lagos Partners With RoLAC to Train Stakeholders on ACJL
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the British Council, under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, RoLAC, last Wednesday held a capacity building workshop for stakeholders, particularly Police Officers and Media Practitioners on the new Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2021 (ACJL).
The three-day event which was held at the Pearlworth Hotel and Suites, focused on salient provisions in the amended ACJL Law. This was necessitated on the premise that, effective implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021, should be the focus in the State.
Joseph Chu’ma Otteh, Founder/Director, Access to Justice
Speaking with Police officers and Journalists, the Special Assistant to Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, Bola Akinsete, noted that the workshop was to sensitise stakeholders in the administration of justice in the State to key provisions of the ACJL.
She said this is important in order to protect the rights of the citizens – the suspects and victims of crime. According to the Speaker, the engagement would assist participants to understand the content and how best to implement the law.
During the engagement, Joseph Chu’ma Otteh, harped on salient provisions, in relation to Police and Media roles in the ACJL, 2021. Highlighting on Police arrest of suspects, parade of suspects, media parade, amongst others, he advocated that their duties are best done in compliance with the law.
He emphasised on the amended laws, and called attention to creation of new sections in the law.
According to Richard Somiari, Director, Lagos DNA & Forensic Centre, Police investigators should always ensure forensic processes are handled professionally, to preserve evidence gathered during their investigations of crime scenes.
Investigative Police Officers learned tips from the State’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Tolu Aderiye, as she guided them with scenarios and learning aids that would assist them to investigate crimes and establish their cases.
She advised officers to consolidate on their expertise by taking advantage of the lecture journals, particularly, the book titled: Steps in Establishing A Case – An Investigator’s Guide.
In his presentation, the Executive Director, Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Mr Benson Iwuagwu, explained the role of Nigeria Police on the Implementation of Restorative Justice.
Maritime Lawyers Association Elects New Officers
The Maritime Lawyers Association (MAAN), at its Annual General Meeting in the penultimate week, elected new officers to run the affairs of the Association. The Association held its 15th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, December 9, 2021 which was virtually attended by its members. During the Annual General Meeting, the group elected members of the new Executive Council which include; Mr Bodunrin Adewole, President. Mr Bodunrin Adewole had served as Chairman, Training and Ethics Committee, as well as Vice -President from 2016 to 2021.
Other members elected with him are Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, Vice-President. Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, is a practising Arbitrator and a past President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, Nigeria, otherwise known as WISTA Nigeria.
Other elected Executive Council members are: Mrs Igbeaku Evulukwu (Honorary Secretary), Mrs Oluseyi Adejuyigbe (Honorary Treasurer), Professor Ike Ehiribe and Sir Osuala Nwagbara.
In accordance with the Constitution of the Association, Past Presidents of the Association will remain as members of the Executive Council. They are: Mr Adewale Jones who is the immediate Past President of the Association, Mrs Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN (Founding President), Chief Gbola Akinola, SAN, (Past President) and Dr Ogbai Omoh-Eboh, SAN(Past President).
