CSLS Conducts Training for Rangers to Promote Criminal Justice Compliance

The Centre for Social-Legal Studies (CSLS) organized a specialized training on Tuesday to enhance the capacity of rangers assigned to advocate for improvements in Nigeria's criminal justice framework.

Participants were tasked with facilitating the smooth application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in federal courts as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs) across different states in the nation.

Highlighting the significance of the training, Yemi Akinseye-George, the President of the CSLS, emphasized the institution's focus on nurturing a new generation of Nigerian youths and legal practitioners committed to reforming the nation's criminal justice landscape.

According to Mr. Akinseye-George, rangers are volunteers who support and advocate for the correct enforcement of the ACJA and ACJL. Their role extends beyond legal professionals to include public servants, civil society members, media personnel, and court officials.

"Our goal is to promote the rule of law and ensure the proper application of the ACJA and the corresponding laws in various states," he stated.

The CSLS President pointed out that the initiative aims to address the implementation of National Minimum Standards (NMS) crucial for enforcing the ACJA, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to tackle the challenges posed by societal disruptions.

During the training session, approximately 100 rangers received guidance on the appropriate implementation of the ACJA and ACJL, demonstrating a commitment to reform the criminal justice system across the country.

Participant Seline Bala, a member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), voiced her hopes that the workshop would effectively address numerous pressing issues, particularly concerning compensation.

Oyinloye Okpajobe, a facilitator at the event, stressed the CSLS's goal to recruit even more rangers, highlighting the current roster of nearly 1,000 volunteers as insufficient to meet the needs of a nation with over 200 million citizens.

Legal expert Kelvin Mejulu advised the new rangers to act as agents of change rather than as law enforcement officers. He also called for the full digitization of Nigeria's court systems, emphasizing that this shift is vital for addressing the backlog of cases that has plagued the judiciary.

Mr. Mejulu's calls for digitization echo sentiments expressed by both the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, and NBA President Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who have similarly urged advancements in court technology.

The training facilitators encouraged participants to eliminate ineffective practices hindering the criminal justice process, such as the controversial trial-within-trial. They also reminded lawyers of their responsibilities, insisting that they approach their roles as prosecutors with fairness and integrity, ensuring that defendants receive just trials.

Sharon Jibanniya, another facilitator, emphasized the benefits of adhering to the ACJA and compliance with the National Minimum Standards designed to maintain uniformity in law enforcement across states. She advocated for a united effort between the Ministry of Justice, civil society organizations, and development allies to bolster the ACJA and ACJL's efficacy across Nigeria.

Ms. Jibanniya clarified that the NMS was established to ensure no region falls short in implementing the ACJA and ACJLs, promoting standardized practices, including handling pre-trial matters, conducting interlocutory proceedings, and managing plea bargains.