The Lagos State Government has amended its Administration of Criminal Justice Law in a bid to promote justice delivery.

Signed into law by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the new law aims to foster the fundamental rights of suspects and constitutional provisions.

According to a statement by Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, “The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform, powers of Chief Magistrate to visit Police Stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, compensation to victims of crime, protective measures for victims and witnesses as well as the Establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this Law.”

The full text of the statement reads:

GOVERNOR BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU SIGNS ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE (AMENDMENT) LAW OF LAGOS STATE,2021

Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on the 30th of September 2021 assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law [ACJL] of Lagos State, 2021. The ACJL was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected.

In a bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects as well as address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Lagos State, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the Law.

The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform, powers of Chief Magistrate to visit Police Stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, compensation to victims of crime, protective measures for victims and witnesses as well as the Establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this Law.

This further reinforces the commitment of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the promotion of Law & Order, Protection of rights of Citizens, decongestion of our Correctional Facilities and ensure a crime-free society in Lagos State.

The Ministry of Justice through collaborative effort with Stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice will ensure the provisions of this law are enforced.

Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN
Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
5th October 2021

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