The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, has called on lawyers, security agencies, and all actors within the justice system to fully comply with the provisions of the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2022, especially those relating to administrative bail, as part of efforts to curb unnecessary pretrial detention and strengthen human rights safeguards.
This charge was delivered at a Human Rights Symposium held at the NBA Bar Centre, Asaba.
The event, themed “Administrative Bail vis-à-vis the Provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Delta State, 2022,” was convened by the NBA Asaba Branch Human Rights Committee in partnership with the Continuing Legal Education Committee.
Speaking at the symposium, the Chairman of the NBA Asaba Branch, Azuka Maduemezia Esq., described administrative bail as a long-standing issue requiring urgent attention. He urged legal practitioners to champion strict compliance with the ACJL.
“How well are the novel provisions of the ACJL complied with? Many courts still operate with outdated practices. Yes, the Judge owns the court, but lawyers have a duty to draw attention to overlooked legal provisions to ensure justice is done. This gathering offers an important platform to discuss these matters and enlighten those who need the knowledge most,” he stated.
Representing the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejoro Ohwovoriole, SAN, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, stressed that administrative bail, granted by the police or security agencies before arraignment, was crafted to reduce prolonged detention and uphold the constitutional presumption of innocence.
He noted that the ACJL 2022 introduced clearer procedures for arrest, detention, and bail; streamlined prosecution timelines; and promoted non-custodial sentencing, thereby facilitating quicker and more equitable justice.
“And the results are beginning to show. Delta State was recognised this year among the best-performing states in justice sector reforms, driven by innovation, consistent capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration,” he added.
Also speaking, the NBA National Second Vice President, Bolatumi Animashaun, urged lawyers to embrace their role as frontline defenders of human rights.
“The Bar and the Bench remain the last hope of the common man, and we must not fail in that duty. Emphasising administrative bail strengthens our practice and our service to society,” she said.
A panel session featured the Chairman of the Midwest Bar Forum, Olakunle Edun SAN; the O/C Legal, Delta State Police Command, CSP Gladys Imegu; and Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) advocate, Bayo Akinlade Esq. Discussions centred on practical challenges in enforcing administrative bail, including institutional bottlenecks, gaps in police cooperation, and low public awareness of legal rights.
Participants later engaged in an interactive session, exploring solutions to close the gap between legal provisions and daily implementation.
Speaking to newsmen after the event, the Vice Chairman of the NBA Asaba Branch and Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Patience Onianwa, reaffirmed the responsibility of lawyers to protect vulnerable citizens.
“The ACJL 2022 provides for administrative bail and safeguards suspects’ rights. Bail is free, and citizens must not be detained beyond the time permitted by law. As legal practitioners, we must understand the law, apply it, and educate the public. Only then can Delta State become a truly fair and just society,” she said.