Tinubu to Overhaul Criminal Justice System, seeks Repeal of ACJA 2015

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the National Assembly seeking the repeal of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

This move also includes the enactment of a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026 aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system. 

The proposed legislation, which was forwarded to the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday, seeks to address legal, procedural and institutional challenges identified in the implementation of the existing ACJA over the past decade. 

President Tinubu, in his communication to the lawmakers, stated that the objective of the proposed Act is to promote the efficient management of criminal justice institutions, ensure speedy dispensation of justice, protect society from crime, and safeguard the rights and interests of suspects, defendants and victims. 

The proposed reform introduces several changes, including the establishment of an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to enhance oversight, coordination and effective implementation of criminal justice procedures across federal courts and courts within the Federal Capital Territory.

Additional proposed reforms include strengthening judicial case management, promoting the use of technology in criminal proceedings, creating a framework for improved witness support, establishing a Sex Offenders Register and reviewing existing procedures that have contributed to delays in criminal trials. 

The Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which replaced the Criminal Procedure Act and Criminal Procedure Code in applicable federal jurisdictions, was introduced as a landmark reform designed to transform Nigeria’s criminal justice administration by reducing delays, preventing abuse of court processes and improving access to justice.

The principles underlying the ACJA are consistent with international human rights standards, including the right to fair hearing, presumption of innocence, protection against unlawful detention, and the right to trial within a reasonable time as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The bill is expected to be considered by relevant committees of the National Assembly before further legislative action.