The Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) has voiced strong concerns over the state government’s failure to release allocated funds for the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) for the past two years. Established two years prior to address the pressing need for effective criminal justice reform, the ACJMC has been hamstrung by this lack of funding, hindering its ability to fulfill its mandate of monitoring compliance and implementation of the ACJL, as amended in 2022. This critical issue came to light during a town hall meeting organized by CLEEN Foundation in Asaba, the state capital, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the challenges and potential solutions for strengthening the criminal justice system in Delta State.
The lack of funding has significantly hampered the ACJMC’s operations, rendering it largely ineffective despite the existence of budgetary allocations. Patrick Osisioma, the Executive Secretary of the ACJMC, revealed the frustrating reality of the situation, highlighting that despite allocated budgets of N100 million for each of the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, no funds have been released. This financial paralysis has prevented the committee from effectively monitoring and ensuring compliance with the ACJL, undermining the very purpose of its establishment. Despite repeated appeals and memos to the relevant authorities, the ACJMC’s pleas for financial support have gone unanswered, leaving the committee unable to fulfill its crucial role in promoting a more just and equitable criminal justice system.
The consequences of this financial neglect extend far beyond the ACJMC’s operational limitations. The lack of funding directly impacts the overall effectiveness of the ACJL and exacerbates existing problems within the criminal justice system. Paulina Egbon, a senior legal officer of the Corrections department, highlighted the severe overcrowding in correctional facilities. Facilities initially designed to house 250 inmates during the colonial era are now struggling to accommodate approximately 1,500 individuals, leading to inhumane conditions and hindering rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, the shortage of vehicles for transporting inmates to court further compounds the problem, causing delays and contributing to the backlog of cases.
The town hall meeting also provided a platform for discussing solutions and exploring ways to improve the administration of criminal justice in Delta State. Anthony Ororhoro, the Director of Public Prosecution, emphasized the urgent need for implementing virtual hearings in all high courts. This technological advancement would significantly expedite the trial process, reducing delays and contributing to the decongestion of correctional facilities. By leveraging technology, the justice system can become more efficient and accessible, ensuring quicker resolution of cases and reducing the burden on overcrowded prisons.
The town hall meeting served as a critical forum for stakeholders to collectively analyze the challenges facing the ACJL’s implementation and to propose practical solutions. It provided an opportunity for open dialogue and collaboration among key players in the criminal justice system, including the ACJMC, legal professionals, corrections officers, and representatives from civil society organizations like CLEEN Foundation. This collaborative approach is essential for identifying and addressing the systemic issues that hinder the effective implementation of the ACJL. The meeting’s focus on identifying practical and sustainable solutions underscored the commitment of stakeholders to strengthening the rule of law and promoting a more just criminal justice system.
The CLEEN Foundation, through its program manager, Theresa Okoro, and workshop facilitator, Ebere Mbaegbu, reiterated its commitment to supporting the strengthening of the ACJL in Delta State. The town hall meeting served as a crucial step towards addressing the funding crisis and other challenges hindering the effective implementation of the law. By bringing together stakeholders and fostering open dialogue, the meeting laid the groundwork for future actions aimed at securing the necessary funding and implementing vital reforms to improve the criminal justice system in Delta State. The collective effort of all stakeholders is essential for ensuring a more just and equitable system that upholds the rights of all citizens.
