Tinubu Proposes New Criminal Justice Bill to Senate

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu transmitted a bill to the Senate proposing the repeal of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during a plenary session.

The bill aims to ensure that Nigeria's criminal justice system promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions and guarantees speedy dispensation of justice. Specific objectives of the bill include protecting society from crime and safeguarding the rights and interests of suspects, defendants, victims, and law enforcement agencies.

The proposed legislation intends to address legal procedural challenges that hinder the effective administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, which have been identified as delays in criminal investigations, inadequate deployment of technology in criminal proceedings, and inefficient coordination among criminal justice institutions. The bill seeks to establish an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to enhance compliance with the provisions of the act.