PPDC, CSO, Others Brainstorm on Enhancing Criminal Justice System

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has underscored the critical importance of swift and efficient justice delivery, lamenting the detrimental effects of delayed justice on individual rights, public trust in the judiciary, commerce, investment, and resource allocation.

In a two-day access to justice town hall meeting and workshop in Plateau State, which focused on the administration of criminal justice instruments, PPDC brought other stakeholders, including government officials, legal professionals, and civil society organisations to discuss strategies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the state criminal justice system.

Speaking during the meeting on the collaborative efforts that have led to significant progress in the past two years, particularly through court administration and case management projects, the Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Mr. Jubril Shittu, emphasised the importance of genuine partnership and highlighted interventions aimed at sustainability.

The state Programme Manager for PPDC, Linda Daze, outlined the efforts made by PPDC to enhance access to justice in Plateau State, including the introduction of a management project aimed at improving efficiency in the criminal justice sector.

 She highlighted initiatives such as installing virtual hearing facilities, strengthening institutional capacities, and expanding the case management system. The CEO emphasised the importance of reducing file retrieval time and announced the launch of the Reforming Pictorial Detention phase-II project aimed at releasing 1,800 inmates annually.

Daze said: “As part of our Access to Justice Initiative on the Plateau, we also launched our Reforming Pictorial Detention Phase two, which kick-started in November 2023, and part of that works with the stakeholders and at least have about 1,800 inmates out of the prison every year now.”

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Philemon Dafe, commended PPDC’s contributions and provided a scorecard of the Ministry of Justice’s achievements. He also emphasised on the importance of embracing technology, legislative reforms, and partnerships with the private sector to enhance access to justice.

On his part, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Gwom Mann, highlighted the judiciary’s efforts to improve court facilities, promote speedy case disposition, and address overcrowding in correctional facilities. He also acknowledged PPDC’s support in digitising court processes, and called for continued collaboration to scale up interventions across all courts.

Also, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Samuel Jatau, who represented the state governor, reiterated the government’s commitment to partnering PPDC and other stakeholders to modernise the justice sector.

He emphasised the importance of swift and efficient justice delivery in upholding the rule of law and promoting social cohesion.

Keynote speaker, Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas (SAN), who talked on ‘Swift and Efficient Justice on the Plateau: Myth or Reality?’, underscored the critical importance of swift and efficient justice delivery.

Dakas called for collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges, including the lack of comprehensive data on justice delivery, and urged the legal profession to address behaviour that is contributing to delays.

 “Swift and efficient justice is not just a lofty ideal but a fundamental requirement for maintaining order, stability, protecting individual rights, and upholding the rule of law in society,” he observed.