These are the comments made by Femi Falana, SAN on Hon. Justice Rahman Oshodi’s Paper “Enhancing the Criminal Justice System in Lagos State: A Comprehensive Approach to Reform” delivered at the Lagos State Government Justice Sector Summit held on May 28, 2024. The Learned Senior Advocate suggests ways and means in which administration of criminal justice in Lagos can be improved, also with simple amendments to the ACJL Introduction T his intervention will briefly review the paper of the Honourable Justice Oshodi, and proceed to make comments aimed at exploring innovative strategies and best practices for enhancing the administration of justice, with a focus on improving civil justice for economic, growth and protection, increasing efficiency, and expediting criminal trials.
Permit me to respond to the principal issues addressed by his lordship in the paper. Introduction of Administration of Criminal Justice Law by Lagos State and amendments I agree with his lordship that “The introduction of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in 2007 and its subsequent amendments have aimed to streamline criminal proceedings, reduce delays, and protect defendants’ rights”. With respect, the law enforcement agencies have refused to comply with the amendment that has prohibited the parade of criminal suspects in Lagos State.
For instance, while lowly placed suspects who are alleged to have stolen tubers of yam are paraded, politically exposed persons charged with loot.