•Gombe decries prison congestion, urges synergy
The Federal Government has pledged support for a new initiative to promote implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda across states.
Speaking on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the project launch in Abuja, David Kaswe described the programme as both “timely and strategic,” noting that it aligns with the government’s commitment to justice reform, human rights protection, and inclusive governance.
According to him, the project will ensure full implementation of the ACJA in 12 states, including Ekiti, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Enugu, Benue, Plateau, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna, and Jigawa, geared at strengthening justice delivery, enhancing accountability, promoting speedy trials, and reducing prolonged detention.
He added that it will also support the operationalisation of the WPS agenda in five states: Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa to integrate women’s voices and leadership into peace-building, conflict resolution, and security governance.
“The ACJA has already proven to be a transformative legal framework at the federal level, and extending its full application across the states will deepen respect for human rights. Equally, by institutionalising the WPS agenda, we recognise the critical role women play in fostering national peace and stability,” the AGF said.
He stressed that the initiative reflects the intersection between justice and peace, rights and security, inclusion and development.
Fagbemi urged justice sector actors, security agencies, civil society, women’s groups and the media to collaborate for its success.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy also reaffirmed its support for the project.
Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Michelle Hovi, congratulated CLEEN Foundation and described the initiative as a continuation of Norway’s partnership with Nigerian civil society.
Earlier in his welcome address, Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, explained that discussions with the Embassy months earlier laid the groundwork for the partnership.
RELATEDLY, Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, has decried the congestion and mixing of violent and non-violent offenders in custodial centres across the federation.
Jatau raised the concern while receiving the newly posted Comptroller of Correctional Service in Gombe, Agada Felix Audu, who was on a courtesy visit yesterday.
He warned that violent inmates could negatively influence non-violent ones, thereby exposing them to deeper criminal tendencies, aggression, ill health, and even mental disorders.
“The situation where hardened criminals are kept together with minor offenders is a dangerous trend. It only worsens the problem rather than solving it,” he noted.
The deputy governor acknowledged the enormity of challenges facing the security and justice system in the country, stressing the need for justice to be delivered promptly and without bias.
Jatau pledged the state government’s support to the service in this regard and advised the Comptroller to work in synergy with sister security agencies, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders, for an effective fight against crime.
In his remarks, the new Comptroller, CC Agada Felix Audu, said his visit was to formally register his presence in Gombe, having just assumed duty in the state, and assured that the service is determined to strengthen criminal justice administration through timely interventions.
