CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the slow and poor implementation of the Benue Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019, seven years after its enactment.
The Justice and Rights Initiative (JRI), in partnership with the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), expressed their worry when they briefed newsmen on Friday in Makurdi.
JRI’s acting Executive Director, Mr Solomon Torluam, who spoke on behalf of CSOs, noted that while advocacy efforts led to the domestication of the law in 2019, compliance among key criminal justice stakeholders remained weak.
Torluam, who is a legal practitioner, stated that the organisations had continued to engage relevant agencies through advocacy and assessment visits aimed at evaluating their level of commitment to the law’s implementation.
According to him, recent assessments revealed that critical provisions of the ACJL are yet to be fully operationalised across the state’s criminal justice system.
He pointed out that the administration of the criminal justice monitoring committee, which was the body mandated to oversee implementation, was currently inactive due to inadequate funding.
Torluam further highlighted major institutional gaps within the Nigerian Correctional Service in Benue, including the non-establishment of community service centres and rehabilitation facilities.
He also cited the absence of a functional parole board or committee and the lack of funding for the non-custodial service centre.
“These shortcomings reflect a broader lack of commitment by the government to fully implement the ACJL, as evidenced by persistent funding constraints,” he said.
He stressed that effective media engagement was essential to achieving the objectives of the law.
The executive director explained that sustained media coverage could improve public awareness of the ACJL, educate citizens on their rights, and promote transparency in the justice system.
He emphasised that the media also played a critical role in shaping public opinion, facilitating informed debate on the law’s effectiveness, and drawing attention to both progress and gaps in implementation.
“Consistent reporting of success stories under the ACJL could boost public confidence and encourage stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies, legal practitioners, and community members.
“An informed public is more likely to comply with lawful procedures and support crime-prevention initiatives,” he added.
Torluam called on the media and other stakeholders to intensify collaboration toward ensuring full implementation of the ACJL in the state.
He emphasised that sustained public engagement and adequate government funding remained critical to realising the reform goals embedded in the 2019 law. (NAN)
