Osun Stakeholders Push For Faster, Fairer Justice Under ACJL

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

Justice sector stakeholders in Osun State have called for stronger collaboration and institutional reforms to ensure faster, fairer criminal justice delivery under the Osun State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2018.

The call came on Tuesday during the annual stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Justice Development and Peace Makers’ Centre at the Catholic Chancery Headquarters, Oke Ayepe, Osogbo.

Rev. Father Felix Oyedeji, JDPMC’s Assistant General Coordinator, said the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to examine challenges and propose solutions.

He said, “Our gathering this morning is an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the implementation of the law and how we can work together to promote justice for criminal suspects and defendants.”

Magistrate Iyabode Oladipo of the Osun State Judiciary emphasised that the ACJL aims to speed up trials, improve case management, and ensure justice for both defendants and victims.

She said, “Justice is not only for the defendant; it also extends to the victim, who represents society. Any one of us can become a victim at any time, and the law recognises this.”

Oladipo identified institutional gaps as a major obstacle, noting, “The biggest challenge is institutional. If one agency develops a database and others do not, its impact will be limited. A unified, coordinated approach is essential.”

She called for continuous training of justice personnel, better inter-agency collaboration, strict adherence to procedural timelines, and the deployment of technology, including digital case management systems and virtual hearings.

Oyesanmi Funmilola Eunice, from the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said it showed lawful arrest and humane treatment of suspects.

“You don’t have to mishandle or torture suspects. Arrests must be conducted lawfully, and detainees must be treated with care, regardless of the offence,” she said, adding that proper investigation techniques, including electronic recording of statements, would improve transparency and accountability.

Olapade Musibau of the Nigerian Correctional Service highlighted inmate overcrowding in state facilities as a key challenge.

He said, “At Ilesa, we currently have over 800 inmates in a facility meant for about 500, while Ile-Ife has over 300 inmates against a capacity of about 150.”

He urged the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to speed up trials and make greater use of non-custodial measures provided under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.