Saturday October 25, 2025
TheNewsDESK |
By Raymond EKPE
In a significant move to reform its criminal justice system, Akwa Ibom State has inaugurated an Independent Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) State-Level Working Group to ensure fairer and faster justice delivery throughout the state.
The working group, established following a three-day capacity-building workshop in Uyo, is led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Joseph A. Udoh as Chair. The Vice Chairman is Magistrate Helen Umana Esq., Director of the State Multi-Door Courthouse and Chairlady of FIDA.
Serving as Secretary is Mrs. Asuzu Amaka, the Chief Investigating Officer at the National Human Rights Commission. The group also includes Barr. Adula Sampson from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria as the Advocacy Lead, Mr. Emmanuel Udoyen from the Nigeria Bar Association as the Assistant Advocacy Lead, and a veteran journalist, Comrade Solomon Okpo, as the Communication and Visibility Lead. Additionally, Barr. Comfort Udo, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, will act as the Legal Adviser.
Organized by the CLEEN Foundation with support from the Norwegian Embassy, the workshop focused on strengthening the implementation of the ACJL while promoting accountability and human rights within the state’s criminal justice framework.
Key sessions addressed various topics, including Understanding Strategic Advocacy Communication as a Tool for Policy Formulation and Change; Effective Coalition Building and Institutional Strengthening; Monitoring and Evaluation for ACJL Compliance; Data Collection and Reporting Techniques; the Role and Mandate of the State Level Working Group; and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies.
The sessions were led by Mr. Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, and Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro, the Foundation’s Programme Manager.
In his acceptance speech, DCP Udoh described his appointment as “both a privilege and a call to service,” committing to enhance transparency and collaboration among stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, including the judiciary, police, Correctional Service, and civil society organisations.
He emphasised that the ACJL signifies “a progressive step toward transforming Akwa Ibom’s criminal justice system” by minimising case delays, safeguarding human rights, and enhancing accountability throughout the investigation and correctional processes.
Udoh pledged to promote collaboration among institutions to ensure that justice delivery in the state remains “swift, transparent, and centered on the people,” while encouraging stakeholders to engage with renewed professionalism and dedication.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom ACJL State Level Working Group and the signing of the committee’s terms of reference between the CLEEN Foundation, represented by Mr. Peter Maduoma, and the ACJL State Level Working Group, led by DCP Udoh (Rtd.), marking a collective commitment to enhancing justice delivery, accountability, and reform in Akwa Ibom State.
