Delta State Attorney-General (AG) and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between investigative agencies and the Ministry of Justice to ensure a more efficient and speedy justice system.
He highlighted this during a one-day capacity-building workshop on the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2022, held in Asaba.
The workshop aimed to update investigators, particularly from security agencies like the police, on the ACJL, with a focus on improving the accuracy of investigations to avoid prosecution failures.
Mr. Ohwovoriole called for closer interaction between the police, lawyers, and judges, as even minor investigative errors can impact case outcomes.
Honourable Justice M. N. Obi, in his keynote address, stressed the importance of conducting lawful arrests and protecting the rights of suspects and complainants.
He urged investigators to avoid unnecessary mass arrests and emphasized proper documentation and the use of electronic surveillance for stronger evidence.
CSP Gladys Imegwu of the Delta State Police Command acknowledged the challenges of implementing ACJL provisions, especially concerning legal representation during statements, as outlined in Section 73. However, she reaffirmed the police’s commitment to upholding suspects’ rights while ensuring effective investigations.
The workshop featured lectures from Justices Anthony Okorodas and Onome Marshal-Umukoro on the importance of synergy between the Ministry of Justice and investigative agencies and the proper handling of confessional statements in court.
Participants praised the initiative, with Deputy Director Oyin-Tari Emmanuel Suowari calling it timely and essential.
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