CIVIL SOCIETY OBSERVATORY GROUP ON ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAW (ACJL), EDO STATE
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CIVIL SOCIETY OBSERVATORY GROUP ON ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAW (ACJL), EDO STATE
28th March 2025 (9pm), Benin City, Edo State
PRESS STATEMENT
The Civil Society Observatory Group on ACJL, Edo State, formed by the CLEEN Foundation under the MacArthur Foundation project, advocates for the smooth implementation of the Edo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2016 and related matters. Upholding the rule of law is paramount.
We strongly condemn the incident in Uromi, Edo State, where persons were burnt under suspicion of being kidnappers. Recent complaints and videos have highlighted kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North. The authorities’ inaction has led to citizens taking the law into their own hands.
The trend of jungle justice is alarming, fueled by factors like poverty, unemployment, lack of trust in the justice system, youth frustration, corruption, and bad governance. We condemn jungle justice due to its detrimental effects on society.
We urge the following:
1. Security Agencies and Law Enforcement: Step up efforts to address security challenges, meeting the people’s expectations through careful, objective, and strategic actions.
2. Stakeholders’ Meeting: The Governor of Edo State, Chief Judge, Speaker, Federal Lawmakers, Oba of Benin, prominent traditional rulers, and security agency heads should convene to identify roles and responsibilities in addressing this menace. It’s time for action to save lives and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Jungle justice is an issue the ACJL aims to address and abolish through transparent and smooth implementation.
Signed,
For: Civil Society Observatory Group on Administration Of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Edo State
Dr. Bright Oniovokukor (Chairman)
Comr. Adesuwa Ehimuan (Vice Chairman)
Comr. Annie Umoru (PRO)
Mr. Kingsley Kefe (Secretary)
Dr. Jude Obasanmi (Member)
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