NGO calls for speedy disposal of criminal cases
NAN-H-41
Litigation
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Oct. 30(NAN) The Initiative for Socio-Cultural, Fairness and Equity, a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) says speedy adjudication of criminal cases is bound to inspire public confidence in the country’s judicial system.
Mr Ignatus Ozoiloba, the Executive Secretary of the organisation, via a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, said the criminal justice system required structural reform that would quicken disposal of criminal cases.
“There is no denying the fact that any fundamental shift toward expeditious adjudication of criminal cases will help a fair system of justice, in a manner that inspires public confidence,’’ he said.
Ozoiloba said the organisation was committed to stimulating discourse toward the reform of the criminal justice system.
He said such strategic contributions would be encapsulated in the “Symposium on Speeding Criminal Litigation in Nigeria,’’ slated for Nov. 1, at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
According to him, the symposium is predicated on the undue delays often associated with the country’s justice system.
“We believe that it is in the best interest of everyone, the accused, the victims of crime, and every of our communities that the confidence is built into our criminal justice system.
“Nigeria’s criminal justice system needs to connect with the public it serves and members of the public should know that nobody is above the law,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium is organised in conjunction with the Conference of Western Attorneys- General (CWAG).
CWAG is a United States based bipartisan group, comprised of the chief legal officers of 15 western states and three pacific territories.
NAN reports that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is expected to be the guest of honour, while Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Attorney-General of the Federation will deliver the keynote address. (NAN)
OMO/OU
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Edited by Obike Ukoh
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