The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2021 into law.
The new amendment law is to prevent police officers from parading criminal suspects before the media.
The law ensures the fundamental rights of everyone that comes in contact with the justice system are respected.
TheCable gathered in July that the state house of assembly passed the amendment bill, which also makes provision for preventing the police from parading suspects before the media in Lagos.
Section 9(a) of the amendment bill states: “As from the commencement of this law, the police shall refrain from parading any suspect before the media”.
The Attorney-General of the state, Moyosore Onigbanjo, in a statement on Tuesday, said Sanwo-Olu approved the bill on September 30.
According to Onigbanjo, the prerequisites of the amendment bill include the conduct of criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platforms.
The bill also prescribes defensive measures for victims and witnesses, as well as the establishment of a crime data register and criminal justice sector reform committee.
“Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on the 30th of September 2021 assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law (ACJL) of Lagos State, 2021,” the statement reads.
“The ACJL was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure the fundamental rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the constitution, are protected.
“In a bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects as well as address the issue of delay in the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the Law.
“This further reinforces the commitment of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to the promotion of law & order, protection of rights of citizens, decongestion of our correctional facilities, and ensure a crime-free society in Lagos State.
“The ministry of justice, through a collaborative effort with stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice, will ensure the provisions of this law are enforced.”
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