BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, has called on lawyers, the police, and all justice sector stakeholders to strictly uphold the provisions of the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2022, particularly regarding administrative bail, as a way to curb needless pretrial detention and deepen human rights protection.
This charge was made at a Human Rights Symposium held at the NBA Bar Centre, Asaba.
Themed “Administrative Bail vis-à-vis the Provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Delta State, 2022,” the symposium was organised by the NBA Asaba Branch Human Rights Committee in collaboration with the Continuing Legal Education Committee.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NBA Asaba Branch, Azuka Maduemezia Esq., described administrative bail as “a burning issue over time” and urged lawyers to lead by example in championing compliance with the ACJL.
“How well are the novel provisions of the ACJL complied with? Many courts still operate under the old rules. Yes, the Judge owns the court, but good lawyers must draw the court’s attention to overlooked provisions so that justice is served. This gathering is a veritable platform to discuss these issues and better inform those who need this knowledge most,” he said.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Delta State Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejoro Ohwovoriole SAN, represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, stressed that administrative bail, which should be granted by the police or security agencies before formal arraignment, was specifically designed to reduce prolonged detention and uphold the constitutional presumption of innocence.
He explained that the ACJL 2022 introduced clearer procedures for arrest, detention, and bail, streamlined prosecution timelines, and promoted non-custodial sentencing, ultimately ensuring quicker and fairer justice.
“And the results are beginning to show. Delta State was recognised this year among the best-performing states in justice sector reforms, thanks to innovation, consistent capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders,” Erebe noted.
The NBA National Second Vice President, Bolatumi Animashaun, also called on every lawyer to see themselves first and foremost as human rights defenders.
“The Bar and the Bench are rightly called the last hope of the common man, and we must not fail in that duty. Focusing on administrative bail helps us deepen practice and better serve society,” she emphasised.
A panel session featured contributions from the Chairman of the Midwest Bar Forum, Olakunle Edun SAN; O/C Legal, Delta State Police Command, CSP Gladys Imegu; and Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) advocate, Bayo Akinlade Esq.
The panel discussed real-world challenges in enforcing administrative bail, including institutional bottlenecks, gaps in police cooperation, and the public’s limited awareness of their rights.
Participants also engaged in an interactive session, exploring practical solutions to bridge the gap between the letter of the law and its daily application.
Speaking with The Pointer after the event, Vice Chairman of NBA Asaba Branch and Chair of the Human Rights Committee, Patience Onianwa, underscored the duty of lawyers to protect vulnerable citizens.
“The ACJL 2022 provides for administrative bail and safeguards suspects’ rights. Bail is free; citizens shouldn’t be detained beyond the legally allowed time. As legal practitioners, it is our responsibility to understand the law deeply, apply it, and educate the public; only then can Delta State become a truly fairer place for all,” she said.
