Sanwo-Olu Signs Law To Stop Parading Criminal Suspects Before Media

The Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law of Lagos State, 2021, abolishing media parade of criminal suspects by security agencies has been signed into law by the Governor of Lagos State, Babjide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, September 30.

The law also approves criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform among other new reforms in handling criminal cases in the state.

Lagos State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

“The ACJL was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and amended in 2011, the statement read.

“In a bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects as well as address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Lagos State, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the law.

“The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform; the powers of Chief Magistrates to visit police stations; the prohibition of media parade of suspects; compensation to victims of crime; protective measures for victims and witnesses as well as the establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this law.”

The commissioner noted that the new law reinforces the state government’s commitment to promote law and order and protect citizens rights.