Security Agencies Trained on Rights-Based Criminal Justice Practices in Lagos
In a significant move to bolster professionalism and accountability within Nigeria's security sector, police officers, personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service have undergone comprehensive training on rights-based approaches to criminal justice administration. This initiative, held in Lagos, aims to improve compliance with legal standards and address persistent gaps in how officers perform their duties, particularly concerning citizens' rights.
Addressing Gaps in Law Enforcement Practices
The training was organised by the Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), focusing on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). Nathaniel Ngwu, Convener of the Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria (CJNN) and a Resource Person, highlighted that many officers misunderstand their roles, viewing them as positions of authority rather than rooted in public service. He emphasised that the training reintroduces officers to the fundamental purpose of policing, stressing that actions must be guided by law, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
Ngwu noted that the programme examines root causes of misconduct and seeks to correct long-standing practices that undermine justice. Participants were trained on proper procedures for issuing summons, handling complaints, and making arrests. He stressed that officers should not act solely on complainant demands but assess cases critically based on legal provisions and common sense. Arrest and detention must strictly comply with the law, avoiding unnecessary or prolonged detention, and officers were encouraged to gather sufficient evidence before arrests to prevent weak cases and unlawful detention.
Systemic Challenges and Calls for Reform
Ngwu warned that detaining suspects without adequate investigation contributes to congestion in detention facilities and weakens court prosecutions. He suggested releasing suspects while investigations continue, rather than using detention as a substitute for diligent police work. Additionally, he highlighted systemic challenges, particularly inadequate funding, which he argued leads to inefficiency and unethical practices like the unofficial monetisation of bail. Ngwu called on the government to increase budgetary allocations to police and other agencies to improve operations and reduce corruption.
Human-Centered Legal Framework and Stakeholder Engagement
Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai, Chief Executive Officer of REPLACE, described the ACJL as a human-centered and innovative framework that has significantly shaped criminal justice administration in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State where it was first introduced. She explained that the training engages law enforcement officers and stakeholders to better apply its provisions in practice. The workshop also serves as a platform to assess progress under the law and identify areas requiring review, noting that laws must evolve with societal changes through periodic updates to serve justice and public interests.
Aigbogun-Brai added that the programme is part of a broader engagement strategy involving dialogue with key justice sector stakeholders, including the judiciary and law enforcement leadership. Recommendations from these engagements may be presented to the legislature to strengthen the legal framework.
Partnerships Driving Criminal Justice Reforms
Samson Onwusonye, Coordinating Officer of RoLAC, emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving reforms within the criminal justice system. Supported by international partners like the European Union (EU), the programme focuses on promoting accountability, strengthening the rule of law, and improving collaboration among justice sector institutions. He stressed that continued engagement with law enforcement agencies is critical to effectively implementing reforms such as the ACJL.
