Tinubu Proposes New Criminal Justice Act for Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the National Assembly seeking to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and enact a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026. This proposed legislation aims to provide a legal framework for the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, including the establishment of an Administrative Criminal Justice Monitor Council to promote effective management of the criminal justice system.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter from President Tinubu on the Senate floor. The reforms aim to ensure speedy justice, abolish trial within trial, and introduce a national sex offender registry.

Additional proposals include the creation of a witness support fund, mandatory timelines for court decisions, and measures to prevent retrials. The ACJA 2015, signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan, was intended to harmonize criminal procedures across federal courts but has faced criticism for delays and inefficiencies in the justice system.