Convener of the Civil Society Observatory, Mr Obase Okanke, urged the state government, police, and judiciary to prioritize full implementation of these provisions.
By TheInvestigator
The Civil Society Observatory in Cross River State has strongly advocated for the full implementation of Sections 17 and 32 of the Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of 2016. The call was made at a town hall meeting after a two-day institutional strengthening program for civil society groups in the state.
In a letter addressed to the Cross River State Government, the Commissioner of Police, the Chief Judge, and the Attorney General, the CSO Observatory emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights within the criminal justice system.
Key Demands
Implementation of Section 17 – Electronic Recording of Confessions
Section 17 mandates that all confessional statements made by suspects must be recorded electronically or in the presence of legal practitioners or relatives. The CSO Observatory noted that despite this provision, many law enforcement agencies in the state fail to comply, leading to forced confessions, wrongful prosecutions, and human rights violations.
To address this, the group demanded:
The mandatory enforcement of electronic recording of confessions in all police stations and provision of necessary audio-visual recording equipment in police stations across the state.
They also requested regular training and sensitization for police officers, magistrates, and legal practitioners on the importance of this provision. And Increased resources for the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to ensure compliance.
Implementation of Section 32 – Monthly Police Reports to the Magistrate
Section 32 requires the police to submit monthly reports to magistrates, detailing all arrests made without a warrant. This measure is designed to prevent unlawful detentions and strengthen judicial oversight. However, the CSO Observatory cited reports of widespread non-compliance, leading to prolonged and illegal detentions, rights abuses, and lack of transparency.
The Observatory called for:
Immediate and consistent submission of monthly reports by the police in compliance with the law. Directives from the Commissioner of Police to all Divisional Police Officers to enforce compliance.
Strict enforcement and penalties for non-compliance by the Chief Judge and Attorney General. And Public disclosure of compliance reports to enhance transparency.
Call For Urgent Action
Convener of the Civil Society Observatory, Mr Obase Okanke, urged the state government, police, and judiciary to prioritize full implementation of these provisions. He emphasized that adherence to these sections of the ACJL would enhance public trust in the justice system, prevent rights violations, and improve justice delivery.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with relevant authorities to ensure these laws are upheld in the interest of justice and human rights,” Okanke stated.
The CSO Observatory expects an immediate response and action from the authorities to ensure compliance with the law.
Earlier, Mr Peter Maduoma, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation in his welcome remark noted that in the past two years “CLEEN Foundation in collaboration with critical stakeholders across eight states, has been deeply engaged in promoting the implementation of the ACJA/ACJL.”
Represented by Mr Ebere Mbaegbu added “Our collective has yielded success in advocacy, capacity building, policy reforms and multi-stakeholder engagement. However, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring consistent application.”
