In a renewed commitment to the protection of fundamental rights and the effective administration of criminal justice in Cross River State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, (The Doyen Bar), has initiated measures to ensure routine visits to police and other security agencies’ detention facilities across the state.
The decision was reached during the 9th Executive Committee Meeting of the Branch since the assumption of office of the current administration. The move is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with Section 33 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Cross River State, 2016, which provides for regular inspection of detention facilities as part of efforts to safeguard the rights of detainees and promote accountability within the criminal justice system.
To actualize this initiative, the Branch formally communicated its intention through a request letter addressed to the Administrative Magistrate, Chief Magistrate Court 1, Moore Road, Calabar, seeking collaboration and necessary administrative support for the implementation of routine detention facility inspections by members of the Bar.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Enome James Amatey, Esq emphasized that, the oversight visits would enable legal practitioners to monitor compliance with the provisions of the ACJL, assess detention conditions, identify cases of unlawful or prolonged detention, and facilitate timely legal interventions where necessary.
Amatey stretched that the initiative reflects the NBA Calabar Branch’s unwavering dedication to promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights, and supporting reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and credibility of the criminal justice system in Cross River State which signifies that Section 33 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Cross River State, 2016, occupies a strategic position within the state’s criminal justice framework.
Amatey emphasized that Compliance with the above provision of the Cross River State ACJL is critical for several reasons, including: Protection Against Arbitrary Detention; Promotion of Accountability and Transparency within the justice sector; Decongestion of Detention Facilities; Strengthening Public Confidence in the Justice System: Facilitating Speedy Administration of Justice, and Advancing Human Rights and Rule of Law.
Members of the have described this step by the Branch Executive Committee as a commendable demonstration of proactive leadership and institutional responsibility as the initiative is expected to deepen collaboration among the Bench, Bar, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in the justice sector while strengthening the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Cross River State.
It is worthy of note that, as the Doyen Bar continues to champion legal reforms and access to justice, its commitment to monitoring detention facilities stands as a significant contribution toward building a more accountable, humane, and efficient criminal justice system in Cross River State.
Signed:
By Monday Wonah Ebiala, Esq
Publicity Secretary, Doyen Bar.
