Niger to domesticate Administration of Criminal Justice Act

The Act was passed by the National Assembly in May 2015 and subsequently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari. Danmalam told our correspondent of the development in Minna, the state capital, at the opening of a one-day workshop with the theme, “Enabling Capacity and Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.” The session was organised by the state branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers. The state Attorney General said the draft of the domesticated Act would soon be presented to the state executive council for approval, after which it would be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for passage. He also said that the state Ministry of Justice had gone very far in the reform of the justice system in the state, adding that the reform was to make justice administration “very smooth and less cumbersome.” Danmalam further explained that the ministry had completed arrangements for the establishment of special courts to try accused persons, stating that the first of such courts would begin sitting in Kontagora very soon, where not less than 75 suspects would be tried for rape and homicide. At the event, the Chairperson of FIDA, Niger State chapter, Hajia Maryam Jibo, said the domestication of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act by all states in the country would enhance the applicability of the Act in areas that concerned women and children, especially in cases like rape, kidnapping, human trafficking and forced labour. “The promulgation of the Act is a welcome development as it provides a leeway for the citizens in the protection of their rights while facing criminal investigation and trials,” she said.]]>