President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) has inaugurated a committee on justice and law reform with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor as the chairman.

The NBA president disclosed that the committee known as Criminal Justice and Law Reform Committee (CJLR) would monitor and ensure that law enforcement policies and practices employed to investigate, charge and prosecute individuals are appropriate.

Also on the committee’s list are the outgoing NBA Lagos branch Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, a former NBA 3rd Vice President, Mr. Reuben James who will act as alternate chairman, NBA National Treasurer, Aisha Mohammed and Mr. John Duru.

Others are; Alfred Akinjo, Yakubu Orlando, Geraldine Wey, Tope Ogunride, Joy Gbanigo, Foluke Abaniwonda, Gerty Nkechi Iloegbunam, Damien Nosike, E D Ukoh, Oge Eyindah, Nkoyo Amah, George Fortune, Anthonia Eke, Philomena Omorodion and Samuel Etuk.

According to Mahmoud, “the committee is mandated to ensure that law enforcement policies and practices employed to investigate, charge and prosecute individuals are appropriate and accurate.

“It would also organize conferences, colloquium, workshops and roundtable that will ensure an effective system by making policy makers evaluate and propose recommendations for a better criminal justice system in Nigeria.

“The committee is to study and come out with recommendations on the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill worked upon by the panel on Implementation of justice reform set up by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation.

“To redefine the roles of Security and Anti-Crime Agencies in the attainment of criminal justice; to unify, harmonize and modernize the criminal code and the penal code, and keep them relevant to the needs of our contemporary society.

“To identify obstacles in the apprehension and prompt prosecution of offenders, and to formulate practice direction for prosecutors, and a total revamp of criminal trials with a view to enhancing the speedy dispensation of justice.

“This committee which is expected to collaborate with government institutions and civil society organizations will also conduct audit of certain laws with a view to identifying those that need reform.”

Source: New Telegraph