Uncategorized
Benue Stakeholders Develop Action Plan for Effective Implementation of Criminal Justice Law
By Fabian Apechihin
Stakeholders in Benue State’s criminal justice system have developed a state-specific action plan to enhance the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), with technical support from the CLEEN Foundation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plan was developed during a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop for policing, law enforcement, and judicial stakeholders held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The ACJL, enacted in Benue in 2019, aims to modernize criminal justice administration and promote fairness, accountability, and efficiency in legal processes.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, said the action plan would help criminal justice actors identify key innovations in the law, assign lead responsibilities to relevant agencies, and establish practical timelines for implementation.
Maduoma, represented by Dr. Gabriel Akinremi, Lead Facilitator, noted that one of the key objectives of the initiative was to foster stronger collaboration among all actors in the justice system.
“We want to explore how all criminal justice stakeholders in Benue can work together to achieve the law’s objectives — ensuring speedy trials, promoting better case outcomes, and enhancing quick dispensation of justice,” he said.
“Justice is a right for everyone, not just a privileged few. Therefore, its delivery must be timely, fair, and consistent with the provisions of the ACJL.”
He highlighted several innovations introduced by the ACJL, including the prohibition of arrest in lieu, ensuring that no person is detained in place of another suspect; and the removal of gender bias in bail, allowing women to stand as sureties.
Another major reform, he said, is that only qualified legal practitioners are now authorized to handle criminal prosecutions, to ensure professional conduct and adherence to due process.
Maduoma also revealed plans to establish an electronic criminal record system, a unified database that will allow agencies such as the Police and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to access and share accurate information seamlessly.
“The goal is to harmonize criminal records across all law enforcement agencies to promote transparency, reduce duplication, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration,” he added.
He explained that the workshop was part of the project titled “Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA and Advancing Women, Peace, and Security in Nigeria,” funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Innocent Emenari, represented by ACP Musa Okene, commended the initiative, noting that the training had improved police officers’ understanding of the ACJL and their role in ensuring its success.
Similarly, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, represented by Chief Magistrate Peter Ogwuche, assured that the judiciary would ensure full implementation of the law, describing the workshop as a timely intervention.
Also speaking, Mr. Kelvin Iorzenda, Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said the workshop was a “noble initiative” that would strengthen the capacity of all actors in the justice system.
“It’s not enough to have a good law on paper; what matters is ensuring that the excellent provisions of the ACJL are effectively implemented,” he said.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability in Benue State’s criminal justice system.
Uncategorized
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Uncategorized
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News12 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology5 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader
