PDSS, UNDP, ACJMC Strengthen Criminal Justice Through Capacity Building
The Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, PDSS, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, ACJMC, has organized a capacity building programme for key stakeholders in the criminal justice sector in Anambra State.
The training, held at the Judiciary Town Hall, High Court Complex, Awka, brought together magistrates, police officers, judiciary officials, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, and duty solicitors to strengthen the administration of criminal justice and improve access to justice.
Representing the Chief Judge of Anambra State and Chairman of ACJMC, Her Worship Vivian Udedike commended UNDP, Rule of Law and Anti Corruption, ROLAC, and International IDEA for supporting reforms in the justice sector. She emphasized the importance of expanding access to justice and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens through effective collaboration among stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Jude Ezeh explained that the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme was designed to strengthen police and judicial reforms by promoting professionalism, accountability, transparency, and public confidence in justice institutions. Representing the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Advocate Tobechukwu Nweke, Barrister Franklin Akunekwe described the training as an important step towards enhancing professionalism, fairness, and efficiency in criminal justice administration across the state.
Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mantu Chong, who represented the Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to institutional reforms, while Officer in Charge of Legal, Anayo Nwana, highlighted efforts to safeguard the constitutional rights of suspects. Chairman of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, Israel Bernard Onyeka, said duty solicitors play a critical role in protecting suspects’ rights, preventing unnecessary detention, and ensuring timely legal representation.
The Secretary of ACJMC, Mrs. Rose Okeke, urged duty solicitors to uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, professionalism, and timely reporting, while Her Worship Vivian Udedike stressed the importance of proper documentation and effective programme monitoring. His Worship Dr. Mike Anyadiegwu also highlighted key provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and called on stakeholders to uphold due process, strengthen justice delivery, and sustain ongoing judicial reforms in Anambra State.
