The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has denounced the suspension of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State, describing it as unconstitutional and unlawful.
Speaking in Abuja, Fagbemi highlighted that only councilors in the respective LGAs hold the authority to remove or suspend elected local government officials. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling from July 11, 2024, which reaffirmed the autonomy of the 774 local government councils in Nigeria.
“The ACJA, 2015, seeks to reform the administration of criminal justice through the speedy dispensation of justice, protection of human rights, accountability, and oversight between and amongst criminal justice institutions.
“Since its enactment, the Ministry has been leading efforts to ensure its effective implementation to ensure citizens access justice and the protection of their rights.
“The Ministry, through various platforms, supported states to replicate the Act, through the adoption of their ACJL.
“Today, I am happy to report that the 36 states of the federation now have their states ACJLs, which, to a very large extent, replicates and further strengthen the provisions of the ACJA for effective implementation a the state level.
“The Justice Ministry is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Interior and Nigerian Correctional Service to conduct an audit of the Correctional Centres to ascertain the number of inmates, the condition of the correctional centres, the number and different categories of inmates in the correctional centres.
“The first phase of this audit conducted in 9 states and the FCT, took place between 21st – 25th November, 2024, and it is hoped that when concluded, the outcome will assist the federal government in initiating and implementing appropriate policies and programmes that will enhance effective management of the correctional service.
“While these achievements are commendable, we must remain focused on addressing existing challenges,” the AGF stated.
